Laser Engraving Technology in the Jewelry Industry
The jewelry business is one that has always required perfection. When a customer wants something special or unique engraved on an expensive piece of jewelry, whether it be a wedding ring, a bracelet or a necklace, they want only top notch work. In recent years, laser engraving technology has advanced the process of engraving tenfold. Jewelry businesses are now able to attain the highest of standards through laser engraving machines, but they are also recognizing profits and keeping costs down.
First off, it is important to understand that laser engraving technology is completely different from older methods of engraving. The laser engraving technique does not involve the use of inks or, nor does it involve tool bits which contact the engraving surface and wear out. A laser marking or engraving system is a more modern invention. Unlike the mechanical machines of the past, a cutting tool such as a bit or rotary cutter does not mark the metal; instead, a laser beam does the work. A computer is necessary to operate a laser engraving machine and is highly accurate and very suitable for reproducing text, serial numbers, logos and graphics. Laser engraving can reproduce virtually any digital image in great detail and on smaller surfaces. Lasers are also faster than traditional methods. Compared to older forms of engraving on jewelry, laser engraving is certainly the strongest performer.
Also, the size of the machinery involved in laser engraving is small enough that it can fit almost anywhere. Gone are the large pieces of equipment from the past. Therefore, there are more options available in terms of where business can be conducted. In fact, most of the necessary devices come in small units that occupy minimal space. Desktop laser engraving machines can fit just about anywhere.
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n addition to saving money, laser engraving technology serves a few more direct purposes as well. The precision involved when using lasers as opposed to older and outdated machinery is astounding. Lasers can very easily engrave the inside or outside of a ring, the back of a watch or even an earring post! This is not something that many would think could be done at a small stand, such as a kiosk or in a shopping mall. Also, lasers are capable of cutting into both flat and curved surfaces. It is now extremely feasible to engrave practically anywhere (or anything) on a piece of jewelry. Engravings can be made however large or small, depending on the desires of the customer.
Laser engraving techniques have by far become the most popular method for jewelry engraving today. High precision laser engravings are possible on almost any type of jewelry including gold, platinum, sterling silver, palladium, titanium, tungsten and stainless steel. The best reasons for custom laser engraving your jewelry items is that it provides, flexibility, permanence, precision, affordability and quality.
With all of the potential that technology still has in store, there is no telling where the jewelry business will be in the next few years. However, we can be sure that it will be in a better place than it is right now. It is hard to imagine that the quality of the work can even get that much better, or that the time needed to fulfill an order can get that much shorter. But, who would have thought that the industry would ever reach its current state? There’s really no telling what can happen from here.
