Industry News
Stop by weekly to catch up on the latest news about products and people in the marking industry.
News for February 13, 2009
Fully Assembled Handle Stamps from Millennium
Do you cringe every time the table saw and the drill press turn on to cut your mounts and drill the handle holes? Well, cringe no more! Millennium Marking Co. now offers fully assembled "Super Safe" handle stamps in 27 different sizes. Die boxes include rectangular, square, round and oval shapes. Stamp makers can be proud to present their customers with an attractive black mount and red/black hand stamp line. Businesses may also benefit from a less costly workman's compensation risk factor, as well as lower labor and utility costs to produce the stamp.
For more information, contact Millennium Marking Co., 800/453-5362, 847/462-6503; Fax: 847/806-1820; E-mail: sales@millmarking.com; Web: www.millmarking.com
Gravograph Introduces High-Speed Laser Engraver
With a marking speed of 2.4 meters per second or 94.5 inches per second, the new LS100Ex has a 60 percent higher performance than the previous generation of lasers. With a laser power ranging from 30 watts to 80 watts, it is an ideal solution for a host of applications, including part marking, trophies, gifts, leather goods, plastics, wood, acrylic, metals, crystal and glassware, signage, photo engraving and rubber stamp production.
All the mechanical components have been redesigned by Gravograph to ensure a 2.4 meters per second or 94.5 inches per second marking speed for most applications, even those using acrylic and wooden plaques. At higher powers, cutting acrylic, wood engraving and Thermark metal marking applications become more practical.
The compact LS100Ex is equipped with innovations that increase productivity and ergonomic benefits for the user. It has a working area of 24 inches x 12 inches, a good size for marking quarter sheet materials (which are usually delivered in that format). Its LCD screen is angled, making it visible from either a standing or sitting position. It provides up-to-date information at a glance and can also give data on previous jobs, running times, etc. A self-contained work light illuminates the job in progress, and a red-pointer laser beam ensures a quick, error-free set up. Finally, the fume and dust exhaust, together with enhanced and improved air flow, improve the processing of materials such as rubber, leather and acrylic.
Most laser machines on the market have a hinged door mounted horizontally on the top of the machine, so the user must stand to see what is being engraved (and to load or unload pieces). This machine has an L-shaped profile that incorporates the front cover into the top, allowing the user to easily see what the laser is doing—both from above and from the front—as well as ensuring a CDRH Class 2a safety level. The machine also offers handicap accessibility. This design also makes installing and using the cylindrical engraving fixture much easier. The user can conveniently load the laser from a sitting position.
Optional equipment for the LS100Ex includes an integrated exhaust, called the LE150HP (Laser Exhaust 150 High Power), suitable for high particulate, high odor applications such as working with rubber, wood and acrylic. Fully integrated, it forms part of the base of the laser to ensure a compact system. A clean air exhaust also extends the life span of important parts of the machine. A vacuum table accessory which uses exhaust system airflow allows the use of very thin material (plastic, metal sheets, etc.)
Included in the package is Laserstyle 5 software—an intuitive interface that simplifies job creation (including text, logos and images). The software is specific to laser engraving and is designed by engravers. A major advantage is that the laser parameters are saved with the job. The LS100Ex software can control the entire process, including turning the air assist on and off. It can also reset the starting point to any position on the table. The sensor probe allows automatic setting of focal distance even on deep items. High productivity automation features are integrated into the system. It uses the following operating systems: Windows 2000, XP or Vista.
Other optional accessories are available to optimize the LS100Ex's performance, including cylindrical attachments, vector-cutting tables, a full range of lenses and vacuum tables.
For more information, contact Gravograph Inc., 2200 Northmont Pkwy., Duluth GA 30096; 770/689-3165; Fax: 770/689-3136; E-mail: pandrea@gravograph-newhermes.com; Web: www.gravograph.com
Laser Engraving Services and System Refurbishments
In addition to providing the industry with quality used laser engraving systems, Access—home of usedlasers.com—now offers full laser engraving service and system refurbishments on a variety of makes and models at their site or yours. Parts are available as well.
For more information, contact Access Business Solutions Inc., 523 Knollwood Dr., Hudson, WI 54016; 715/386-8021; dianec@usedlasers.com; E-mail: dianec@usedlasers.com; Web: www.usedlasers.com
Natural Wood Mount Strips
Millennium Marking Co. is selling natural wood mount strips that are 18 inches in length with 1/8-inch width increments, from 1/4-inch through 2-inches. Rubber stamp manufacturers can save money compared with like sizes of plastic mounts. Mounts perfectly match MMC's wooden walnut-, black- or mahogany-stained handles. Stamp makers have the option of indexing directly on the side of the stamp or of using the white index strip provided with each order.
For more information, contact Millennium Marking Co., 800/453-5362, 847/462-6503; Fax: 847/806-1820; E-mail: sales@millmarking.com; Web: www.millmarking.com
New Materials Catalog
Gravograph introduces its new Materials Catalog, offering a wide range of engraving materials, accessories and supplies. The catalog also features rotary, laser, manual and micro-percussion machines, as well as fabrication equipment and software.
For more information and a catalog, contact Gravograph, 800/843-7637; Web: www.gravograph.com
Ecology and Economy
"MaxLight™ XL3E is Millennium Marking Company's answer to two pressing issues," states Craig Petersen. "The 'E' stands for Ecological and Economical. We have made the mount, die box and dust cover from 50-percent post-consumer recycled plastic. The die box slides in and out for easy replacement, thus makes the mount easy to reuse. The massive ink load (comparable to Shachihata Inc.) eliminates the need for replacement pads. Our patented 'Z' concept allows the stamp to be re-inked in 30 minutes or less. XL3E 'Z' does not require a 'center' to be placed within the frame of the cartridge. The extra-deep die box and 'zipper' cut cartridge not only allow for the massive initial ink load, they allow the consumer to drop refill ink to within 3.5mm of the surface." Petersen adds, "We have lowered the price by 20 percent, making the MaxLight XL3E an extreme value. We think it is time to re-stress the value that our pre-inked stamps offer—what appears to be more expensive at the time the product is purchased (over a traditional self-inking stamp) is made up for time and time again due to the longevity of our product (8 to 10 times the number of impressions of a traditional self-inking stamp). During these tough economic times, such selling points have become more important. As we said in 2001 and 2002 during the last economic slow-down, MaxLight Pre-Inked stamps allow you to sell fewer stamps and make more money!"
For more information, contact Millennium Marking Co., 800/453-5362, 847/462-6503; Fax: 847/806-1820; E-mail: sales@millmarking.com; Web: www.millmarking.com