with ease on a laser to produce 3D forms. “We are also seeing a trend towards the use of sustainable and recyclable materials such as wood and bamboo. These materials are increasing in popularity for smaller signs and displays for private events or small independent shop point of sale. Since they can be both cut and engraved with a laser, these products can be made very efficiently with good profit margin.” So, what’s the latest from Trotec? Ferry says the company is constantly developing its laser engraving technology and refined its systems to ensure high-speed processing without any compromise on quality, all while keeping them simple to operate and maintain. In terms of recent developments, these have been centred around making the operator’s workflow more streamlined by introducing the new Ruby software, which integrates the full workflow and means only one software needs to be learnt for many applications. Trotec has also added a new lid camera which saves time and guesswork when positioning awkward shapes onto the laser bed. Looking at materials, Trotec offers a laser-friendly metallic exterior-grade an attractive price. “However, with professional-grade laser technology, it’s possible to produce highly detailed and quality engraving results with very quick turnarounds. Those businesses who explore the possibilities of the technology available to them can find engraving to be a lucrative income stream.” Ferry goes on to say the market for engraving continues to grow annually, as shown by the annual increase in engravable material sales. Laserable laminates, such as TroLase, can be laser cut to make complex and interesting shaped sign blanks, which can then also be engraved using the same laser system. The demand for highly personalised signage, Ferry says, is also strong, with businesses looking to stand out from the crowd. She says the ability to offer laser engraving alongside print and CNC is an advantage for signage companies to pick up bespoke work which always commands a higher price tag. “The lasers can offer unique advantage points that simply aren’t possible using a router,” Ferry says, adding: “For example, very small and complex shapes such as millimetres-tall text in thick acrylic can be cut laminate, which Ferry says is an excellent cost-effective alternative to metals that will serve users reliably. “It is lightweight and doesn’t need any additional solutions of post-processing after being laser engraved,” Ferry says, adding: “Given the increase in the cost of metals, we have seen many of our customers switch to TroLase Metallic with success.” Invest to grow Making our way to the front line of this intriguing market and you will discover Impact Sign Solutions, a sign-maker that counts engraving among its range of services. Andy Borrow, managing director of the Aylesbury-based business, says demand for this type of work is steady, saying it is a business that takes a long time to build, but if done so correctly, it can pay dividends. Offering advice to those looking to make their own impact (no pun intended) in the wider market, Borrow says there are certain types of work and areas that sign-makers can target in order to capture profitable jobs. “Our engraving business breaks down to three different markets: industrial, prestigious, and awards,” Borrow explains, adding: “The stalwart of our engraving business is the not-so-sexy standard nameplates, data tags, CE badges, and functional labels. “It is nice, however, to make chemical- ▼ Demand for etching and engraving in the events sector is on the return, Thinklaser says Etching and engraving is ever-present in wide reaching industries, with sign-making being one of the longest running applications for the process 52 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 246 - April / May 2023 BACK TO BASICS / ETCHING AND ENGRAVING ► Thinklaser says consumers are demanding higher quality finishes
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