How does a packaging and printing factory choose laser die cutting machine? There are many kinds of equipment on the market now, with prices ranging from 15,000~25,000 usd, which is dazzling.
Laser power 400W, 600W, 1000W, 1500W etc.
I thought at the time that this matter is actually similar to buying a mobile phone – you have to figure out what functions you need first, and don’t be confused by those fancy parameters.
Take laser power for example. Some equipment is called “high power”, but it may not be suitable for your business in actual use. For example, my friend’s factory usually cuts plywood below 18 mm, and occasionally uses 22mm plywood and acrylic sheet. need to cut 10-15 pcs per day. As a result, he listened to the sales and bought a 1500W high-power laser die cutting machine, but found that it was not used at all and was also a waste of electricity. Later, he realized that the power size is not the key, but the ability to meet his own processing needs is the hard truth. It’s like buying a mobile phone. Although the top chip has strong performance, you usually make calls and watch Titok. It is more cost-effective to buy a 600W machine.
Now the competition among manufacturers in the laser industry is fierce. In order to compete at low prices, many small manufacturers use poor materials and accessories, and the laser machine will break down after a short time. My friend has encountered this situation. He bought a device for cheap, but the laser broke down in less than half a year. When he asked the manufacturer for repair, they either dragged their feet or simply lost contact. Later, he learned that the selection of laser machine depends on the brand reputation and after-sales service, just like buying a car. 4S stores of big brands are always more reliable than roadside stores.
Speaking of the future, I think laser die cutting equipment will definitely become more and more intelligent. Now some equipment can directly design die cutting through computers, without manual drawing like before. Not only is the error small, but the efficiency is also high. The new equipment my friend is using now can also automatically adjust the cutting parameters.
In addition, environmental protection is also a major trend. Now many places have increasingly strict requirements on factory emissions, and laser die cutting equipment must also become “green”. For example, some equipment uses a new exhaust system, and black smoke is almost invisible, and the air in the workshop is much fresher. My friend said that when he chooses equipment now, in addition to looking at performance, he will also ask whether the manufacturer has energy-saving certification, just like looking at energy efficiency labels when buying home appliances.
However, with such rapid changes in the future, how should ordinary users deal with it? I think there are two important points: first, don’t think about getting it all in one go, the equipment must have room for upgrades; second, find a reliable manufacturer, preferably one that can provide long-term technical support. Just like the manufacturer my friend is working with now, not only can equipment problems be solved in a timely manner, but people are also sent regularly to check and maintain them, and even teach them how to use new functions. This kind of “nanny-style” service is more reassuring than the equipment itself.
In fact, in the final analysis, choosing a laser die-cutting equipment is like making friends – you can’t just look at the appearance, you have to look at whether the inside is reliable. Parameters such as power and precision are one aspect, but stability, after-sales service and the strength of the manufacturer are equally important. After all, the equipment is to be used for a long time. If you save a little money today, you may have to spend a lot of money to repair it tomorrow, or even delay production. Just like what my friend said: “Buying equipment is like marrying a wife. You have to find someone who can support you, not just someone who is pretty.” This is a rough but true statement, right?
