Can Lasers & Mechanical Engravers Cohabit?
The advent of laser engraving machines and their continued popularity has certainly affected the mechanical engraving end of the industry, albeit in different ways. Industry experts agree that the rise of laser engraving technology, and the subsequent rise in the number of laser machines retailers are purchasing is not necessarily a bad thing for the computerized engraving machine market. Many shops are now using both rotary and laser engraving machines, says Diane Clancy, Gravograph-New Hermes, Duluth, GA. While there are applications that can be both laser or rotary engraved, it really depends on the type of mark the customer needs, she adds. Chris Parent, president of Signature Engraving Systems, Holyoke, MA, also believes that rotary engravers and laser engravers both have their place. Laser engraving machines have helped increase our sales because they have brought about the realization that computerized engravers are needed for one-up jobs. There is no question that laser engrave
