" One who asks a question is a fool for five minutes; one who does not ask a question remains a fool forever."
Chinese Proverb
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What is the difference between a laser marking rail and laser marking system?
In our opinion, the laser marking rail is typically a class IV device. It is a fully functioning laser marking machine with connections to the outside world for network communications, interlocks, positioning systems and PLC’s. A Laser Marking System on the other hand takes the machine one step further by providing the end user the work area enclosure, automation and any user GUI interface the application may need.
2) What types of skills and knowledge are required to build our own laser marking rail?
As you could imagine, we get this question a lot and of course it has varied answers based on your personnel and whether you're asking the question metaphorically or with specifics. So first let me address metaphorically, the first order of business one needs to acquire is a healthy dose of respect as you would with any machine tool. Respect for the Laser and its capabilities are unique since the tool is focused light. The safety one needs to apply when dealing with high energy focused light and possible reflections include but are not limited to; shielding of the eyes with protective goggles and staying clear of the light path and work surface with body parts. OSHA and other organizations have set aside guidelines for machine builders and operators in this regard which are required reading. As for the specifics of building one of our designs, general machine building skills is basically all that is required. Each design includes the integration of mechanics, the simple alignment of optics, handling of electronic boards, wiring with 12 to 24 gauge wire, interconnects and the basic understanding of computers and software.
3) Why get into building your own laser marking rail?
The first reason is control, Yes, application control. It’s funny in looking back on history, we see some of the largest multi machine laser marking systems orders going to companies that have never built a laser marker before by controlling the process of the application and how they applied the process to their automation. Of course the second reason is cost saving. This occurs by eliminating the 40 to 50% gross margin built into every laser marking rail you buy.
4) Why use these designs as opposed to designing our own laser marking rail?
The simple answer is time and money, for only $1000 for a category design, with complete BOM’s, assembly instructions and tools required. One needs to ask, how they can go wrong. The more complicated answer is by helping you avoid the numerous pitfalls. Yes, in using these designs and plans you will save yourself many months of research and potentially misguided directions by so called industry experts by following the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) method.
5) What’s the difference between these design’s and other laser rails on the market?
Again, this is a simple and complicated answer at the same time. The simple answer is not much when you consider the major components and the laser power being delivered to the work piece. However, the more complicated answer depends on the sales and marketing people giving you the answer and the story they are trying to tell to differentiate their product. It also seems like the answer can get more complicated when a company starts to vertically integrate their designs for cost reduction, size or flexibility.
6) What is required to service one of your laser rail designs?
The designs are very basic and use standard off-the-shelf components in a straight line optical configuration for ease of set-up and service. This modular approach makes it easy to isolate and troubleshoot major component areas. All other items such as power supplies, connectors, etc. can be multiple sourced from various catalog houses. The bottom line is once you understand the optical path and major components you should be able to diagnose any issues. Typical repair would be to replace the major component in the field or send the unit back for repair. All major components would go back to the manufacturer for repair.
7) What are the hidden costs of building our own laser rail?
There are two things we would suggest if you’re going to get into the business. The first would be a semi clean limited access room for building the rails with the proper lights to identify lasers in use. The second thing would be some form of limited inventory of major components in case you need to replace an item on the laser rail. In any case, we know of companies in the business of supplying laser rails that do neither of the two things we suggest, so like we said it's a suggestion.
8) How can we make the laser rail our own?
The funny thing is we’re not sure you want to make it your own. Just ask any of the major component technology suppliers and they will all tell you the same thing about the laser marking industry, that it’s a commodity business. A commodity business is not bad mind you as it’s a business that has growth and for laser markers it’s a constant 20% per year. So why not embrace it and use industry standard parts and make your money solving applications using your automation expertise. Remember you can always brand with a product name and a splash screen.
9) What is meant by the 80/20 rule?
The Pareto principle roughly states that 80% of the effects come for 20% of the causes. In the Laser Marking world that relates to 80% of the Laser Marking applications that can be done with these type of designs and laser powers. The other 20% of the applications may require a different laser type, more power and/or better positioning accuracy.
10) Do these designs limit your future direction for laser systems in Micromachining and/or Marking?
Absolutely not. The only thing we require is you cannot sell our mechanical and interconnect drawings. If in the future you would like to cost reduce by building your own scan head, build your own controller card, write your own software or in other words add proprietary value to your own rail please do so, we have no rights or seek no rights moving forward.
