ly-etched prestigious brass and stainless steel plaques, as well as some technical, accuracy crucial control panels.” Borrow goes on to say that in order to be niche and get your hands on certain types of work, then you need to invest in the right sort of kit, otherwise you simply will not be able to offer it as a service to your customers. “For example, if you want to engrave stainless steel, you first need to cut it,” Borrow says, continuing: “For this, you will need a three-phase hydraulic guillotine, and a hydraulic press. Ideally you would need fibre and CO2 lasers, plus a good old-fashioned rotary, mechanical machine, and a chemical etching plant. “You can even add screen printing for reverse printed and cut acrylic panels. Then there is the ‘craftsmanship’ element to the process, machines are good, but they will only do what you tell them to! Staff training is paramount.” Growing demand Looking elsewhere in the market and Thinklaser specialises in industrial laser cutting, laser engraving, and 3D printing machines. Managing director Chris Rushworth says demand for engraving work is considerable and if sign-makers can get it right, they can look forward to a steady supply of profitable work. “With the consumer demanding higher quality finishes than ever before, and with the ability to make more and more products specifically identifiable, the materials and products that we are seeing enquiries for is ever growing,” Rushworth says. “The engineering market is always constant. Any parts that need to have an identifying mark or branding and be able to withstand heavy wear are ideal for laser marking more so than printing which can wear away. Personalisation with either names or branding is also popular as oneoff gifts or as items for events.” With this, Rushworth hints at some of the more niche markets that sign-makers can look at in an effort to access more work that previously may have gone under their radar. Namely, he picks out the events industry explaining that following the pandemic, Thinklaser has witnessed something of a resurgence in high volume demand, which it only expects to continue to grow as the market improves and returns to more normal levels of activity. “With signs for reserved seating or table names for things like weddings where a more interesting sign is needed rather than a printout, this is where engraving comes in,” Rushworth says, adding: “We have undertaken projects for items for submarines, the space industry, and aerospace as well as the more down to earth products such as bottles and medals.” Taking a look at the solutions and products available from Thinklaser, Rushworth explains that the company sells three different types of premade laser systems depending on the user’s requirements. “We have the light blade and Flux lasers which are out of the box ready,” Rushworth says, continuing: “These are flatbed lasers that can cut and engrave most non-metallic materials and are surprisingly affordable. This is most popular for industry and schools. We also design and build bespoke systems. “If you can come up with an idea, we can make it. From cutting the shell of an egg to electric battery applications, we have technology that can support users with a wide range of jobs and projects, and our expert team is on hand to guide them to the best solution for their requirements. With development clearly alive and well in the etching and engraving sector, there is plenty to get excited about when it comes to new technology. Forward-thinking manufacturers and suppliers have a lot to offer when it comes to new kit and the many different features that will help sign-makers and other companies in the sign sector access profitable new work and markets. Of course, any sort of investment should be planned out properly and sign-makers need to ensure that there is an adequate level of demand or interest among their customers. To gauge what your clients are thinking, perhaps consider pitching ideas as to how engraved or etched products would benefit them and how you as their trusted partner can support with this process. Thinklaser sells three different types of premade laser systems 3 ▲ Impact Sign Solutions says investment in the right kit, as well as staff training, are key for niche work in engraving and etching ► Standard nameplates and functional labels are among the popular engraving applications from Impact Sign Solutions 53 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 246 - April / May 2023 BACK TO BASICS / ETCHING AND ENGRAVING Impact Sign Solutions splits its engraving offering into three areas: industrial, prestigious, and awards Factoid
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