How to Start a Laser Engraving Business

how to start a laser engraving business

In a market that has no signs of slowing down, starting a laser engraving business has grown into one of the best ways to make money. Not only is a laser engraving business profitable, but it’s also easy to start a company. 

Laser engraving has hundreds of avenues to pursue. The list of materials you can engrave ranges from wood, to aluminum, stainless steel, and more.

If starting a laser engraving business is an interest of yours, the steps are easy.


Plan a Laser Engraving Business

Before you gather the equipment, here’s what you need to know before creating laser engraved memories. 

Pricing for these machines on average costs about $8,000, but you don’t need to spend that much. Determine a price point that will get your business off the ground efficiently without sacrificing quality. You’ll need the laser engraver, a platform, a computer, and the engraving software of your choice.

Get ahead of the competition by taking a training course to master your software. Learning how metal etching works and other materials are key to the success of your business. Lasers are easy to use once you have knowledge of these programs. 


Buy a Laser Engraver

If you’ve decided to go ahead with your future business, first things first, buy yourself a laser engraver. 

The bells and whistles of laser engraving are about as in-depth as anything else. Two of the most important pieces to your future business’ puzzle is a laser with at least 25 watts of power and air assist. 

If you have more cash, splurge for the 50-watt laser for more power. There are tons of options when it comes to laser engravers. Computerized jewelry engraving machines are ideal if you’re specializing in a specific business model. 

A laser of 25 watts can etch most materials. Machine equipped with air assist pumps a jet stream of compressed air that spans across the surface you’re engraving. This will help minimize flare and ensure a deep/clean engraving process. 


Pick a Build Platform

Bigger is better when it comes to a laser engraving business platform. 

That’s the case when it comes to the surface you’ll be placing the material you’re engraving on. The most common dimensions of platforms come in 12” x 16” or 12” x 18”.

The larger the platform the more flexible you can be when it comes to laser engraving larger items.


Software to Run a Laser Engraver

Guiding a laser seems like a simple task for your hands at first. This is not the case. 

Engraving with a laser requires a serious amount of guidance. That’s where an open-source laser engraving software comes into play. 

You’ll need to choose software that cuts the vector files you’ll be using. Dancing around points, curves, and shapes is the job for software. Options like LaserWeb, DraftSight, Inkscape, and others will get the job done right. 


Start a Business the Right Way

When it comes to starting your future business make sure it’s done right. Whether it’s social media-based, financing, retail or a laser engraving business, do plenty of research before taking a leap. 

Don’t know where to start? Don’t worry. Our website is full of helpful information to grow your business. If you don’t see what you’re looking for we’ll contact you in response to your inquiries. 

Growing your laser engraving business or any other business model is of the utmost importance to you and us. Let’s build something together from the ground up and make more money! Visit the Startups section of the Bootstrap Business Blog right now for additional insight on starting a successful business.

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