small Laser cutting and engraving machines

[keltoh]

Hi all, Am located in Singapore. I'm currently looking for a small laser machine that can cut and engrave designs on silver jewelry pieces. Is there any machines or company you can recommend me? Please help.
Thanks alot.=)

[zax15uk]

A Yb fiber laser or Q-switched DPSS would be ideal for this, but expensive.

http://www.cmslaser.com/low-cost-fib...rking-machine/

http://www.alphalas.com/products/las...FQIyxwodCFoLzg

http://boston.kijiji.com/c-For-sale-...AdIdZ141038697

There are some small desktop units designed for jewelry (above link, $21k is the cheaper end), but unless you need laser the much cheaper alternative would be micro CNC engraving.

Zax.

[keltoh]

thanks for your reply.
but can micro cnc be able to cut the designs out?

[zax15uk]

It depends on the size and thickness of material and the availability of micro end-mills. Laser would be faster and perhaps able to produce more intricate designs but at a cost.

Zax.

[keltoh]

ok..am looking for 1 for a small retail shop actually.

[zax15uk]

Take a look at these options, gravo have lasers as well as rotary systems:
http://www.gravograph.com/english/engraving-machines/
http://www.xenetech.com/viperje_overview.asp

I would suggest one of the small desktop CNC mills, specifically designed for jewelry.

The startup costs would be much less and you should be able to get 95% of the same product out.

You could then look at 'upgrading' to a laser later.

Zax.

[keltoh]

Take a look at these options, gravo have lasers as well as rotary systems:
http://www.gravograph.com/english/engraving-machines/
http://www.xenetech.com/viperje_overview.asp

I would suggest one of the small desktop CNC mills, specifically designed for jewelry.

The startup costs would be much less and you should be able to get 95% of the same product out.

You could then look at 'upgrading' to a laser later.

Zax.

according to the video shown, there seems to be too much material wastage. if otherwise pls advise. but anyway thanks for all the advice and information =)

[zax15uk]

That depends on how you setup the job, it is fairly typical for manufacturer demos to waste material. The person creating the job isn't paying for the raw materials.

You will learn how to maximize profits. The waste from either a laser or router/mill would be similar, with laser typically being less.

Zax.

[keltoh]

hmm alright then thanks.
currently found a souce that can engrave and cut metals from a china based company.

http://www.cnc-laser-cutter.com/Minicncrouter.html

is it any good?

[Litografa]

BAD, I think
I didn't trust to chinese companies who produce everything - from inkjet to laser. Really it means that these companies just resell this items without reliable service support.
Please understood that you want work with silver and other jewellry materials. Price of mistake is too big, so for you will be better choose reliable and stabile US made equipment. USD dollar exchange rate is also favourable to US manufacturers ( in comparison with us )

[keltoh]

oh no...any US company to intro then?
cause I emailed a coupled and none reply me

[Litografa]

I also can agree with Zax about
http://www.gravograph.com/english/engraving-machines/
For you it will be best solution. Best way is send e-mail and call after to have confirmation that you e-mail is received.
With Xenetech I have some problems but
1) it was with lasers
2) was over 8 years ago