Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Join Trotec at NBM Charlotte

Join Trotec Laser at The NBM Show Charlotte, a premier trade show featuring the latest in sign making, digital printing, sublimation, apparel decorating, awards & engraving, personalization, promotional products, and much more.
Basic Info: Location: Charlotte Convention Center Dates: May 2 - May 4, 2013 Booth: 601
Show Hours: Thursday  10 AM - 5 PM
Friday 
10 AM - 5 PM
Saturday  10 AM - 4 PM

See Trotec Laser Systems in Action: Speedy 400 Speedy 300 Flexx
Speedy 100 Rayjet 300 Rayjet 50

Classroom Education:
Topic: Innovation in Laser Engraving
Date: Thursday, May 2, 2013
Time: 11 AM - 12:30 PM

Takeaway: This class will introduce you to new ideas & technologies in the laser world... Helping you achieve top quality results, grow your business, and make more money.

great deals laser engraving machine ARA trade show 2013Register for Free:
Registration for The NBM Show Arlington is on us! 

Use promotion code NBM2013 when registering and use the promotion code "NBM2013". A savings of $25 or more!


Stop by Trotec booth 601 to see our lasers in action, meet the Trotec team, and take advantage of exclusive show deals! Mention this post & get a free cutting table w/the purchase of & deposit on a Speedy 300 @ the NBM Show Charlotte 2013!

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Spring into Fabric Laser Art!



Get in the mood for spring by decorating your table with laser cut butterfly napkin rings and flower cutlery bags! With these cheery table top decorations the spring mood will stay in your home... Even during rainy days!

Materials Needed:
4mm polyester felt in two colors


Machines possible:
Speedy 100, Speedy 300, Speedy 400, Speedy 500



Machine used:
Speedy 400, 40 watts



Step 1
Open the file "Spring" in your favorite graphics program and send it to the laser. Laser parameters may vary depending on the machine used and the laser power available... The seetings below are for a 40W Trotec laser system. 


Black Lines (engraving)
Power: 60 %, Speed: 50 %, Resolution: 500 dpi, air assist on 


Red Lines (cutting):
Power: 60 %, Speed 1.1 %, Frequency 1000 Hz, air assist on, correction 20


Step 2
Assemble the parts. The table decoration is designed to fit perfectly without adhesive.

Tips:

  • Use a 1.5 inch lens. 
  • We suggest using polyester felt for clean cutting edges and great engraving results. 
  • Using a honeycomb table prevents the felt rub off on the processing table.

Download Spring Application Files!

We would love to see your completed projects... Share your table decorations on our Facebook page!

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Maintenance, Maintenance, Maintenance…

Everyone hates to do it, but deep down, you know it has to be done! However, unlike other tasks you procrastinate about doing, this one can be very costly. It boils down to one simple, 10 minute task, and when you let it build up, it can become very costly.
 

Some laser systems are easier to maintain than others... Luckily Trotec laser systems have unique features like InPack-Technology™, Harsh Environment Kit, and an Integrated Co-Axial Air Assist that make maintaining your Trotec laser system a snap!

One of the single biggest factors in helping to keep your laser clean, is the
exhaust blower/internal filter system. If this item is under-specked, or not well maintained, it’s almost like not using one at all.

Every laser system in uniquely designed to have air flow run through the laser cabinet to help debris evacuate as quickly as possible. This in turn helps keep smoke and debris from lasered materials from leaving residue on your optics and mechanical components.

To ensure you are using a suitable filtration system for your laser talk to Trotec's sales and support team and to learn more about maintaining your exhaust check out our blog "How to Extend the Lifetime of Your Exhaust".


Some laser systems require you to perform a variety of tasks, while others have nothing more to do than check and if dirty clean.

We recommend using compressed air and a damp cloth to keep your Trotec neat and tidy. Because Trotec's InPack-Technology™ and Harsh Environment Kit protect critical system components like belts, bearings, optics, and electronic boards maintenance is very easy. When your system is dirty blow out the dust with your compressed air and wipe and surfaces down that have sticky residue that was not removed by the air.

It is important to know that your optics are the single biggest factor in retaining your image quality. Optics include mirrors & lenses. Bi-weekly inspections, daily if you work with wood and/or rubber, you will save yourself hundred of dollars down the road.

There are a few items needed to clean the optics; can of compressed air, lens tissue, and lens cleaner. Trotec sells lens tissue and lens cleaner suitable for the lens surface.

Visually inspect the optics for residue buildup, dust & debris, or fingerprint

smudges.

Before you attempt to clean the optics, use the can of compressed air first, before the actual cleaning process. This will help prevent against scratching the optics during the cleaning process.

Once you have blown away any surface debris, you will then put a few drops of the lens cleaner on the optic, then simply use the tissue, folded into a smaller square, to clean the optic. Wipe the optic with mild pressure, until there is no more solution on the optic. At this point, you may also spray a quick blast of the compressed air to get rid of any remaining solution.


Optic Cleaning Tips:

*The natural oils in your skin can damage the lens coating, so take precaution not touch the lens surface with bare fingers.


*It is important to only use a lens solution designed for laser optics, as some camera or eye glass lens solutions are not suitable for the lens surface and may damage the coating.

*Only clean your lens when it's dirty, as excessive cleaning can shorten the life of your lens.


Author: Craig Abramson

Craig has been with Trotec for two years and has over 20 years of experience in the laser industry. Craig resides in Northern California.