When in the process of choosing the perfect company for digital printing and laser engraving, it’s essential to look beyond just the price tag. Prior to settling on your decision, it’s crucial to consider these key factors:

– Take a detailed look at the specifications of the machines, including the size of the areas available for printing and cutting, their cutting power, the clarity and detail of the printing resolution, and whether there are additional machines on hand in case of technical failures.
– It’s also important to assess the workshop’s environmental control measures, such as the efficiency of the air filtration system, which plays a vital role in maintaining a clean and safe environment. Furthermore, evaluate how well the space is organized and kept clean. Another significant aspect to consider is the type of software the company utilizes for its operations; proprietary software may pose restrictions that could affect the flexibility of your projects.
– Lastly, don’t hesitate to ask the company if they are willing to provide a demonstration of their working process, show off projects they’ve completed in the past, offer references from previous clients, and commit to guarantees regarding the precision and timeliness of their work.

Choosing between local printing and mail order printing can be a crucial decision for businesses and individuals alike. Here’s a detailed breakdown of why opting for local printing might be the better choice:

1. More Control and Oversight**

– Direct Communication**: With a local printer, you can easily visit the shop, discuss your needs in person, and make sure they understand your requirements fully. This face-to-face interaction can lead to better customization and personalization of your order.

– Immediate Feedback and Proofing**: Local printers often provide proofs that you can review on-site. This allows for immediate feedback and ensures that the final product meets your expectations before it goes into mass production.

2. **Quality Assurance**

– Color Consistency**: As you mentioned, no two printers will print colors exactly the same. With local printers, you can review color proofs and make adjustments on the spot, ensuring the final product looks exactly as you envisioned.

– Hands-On Inspection**: You can physically inspect samples, which reduces the risk of errors. If something is off, it’s easier to rectify it quickly.

3. Quick Turnaround and Problem Resolution**

– Faster Production Times**: Local printers often have quicker turnaround times because they don’t have to deal with the delays associated with shipping. If you’re on a tight deadline, a local printer can usually accommodate last-minute changes or rush jobs more effectively.

– Immediate Problem Fixing**: If an issue does arise, it can be resolved much more quickly. You can directly address any mistakes and have them corrected without the time-consuming process of mailing items back and forth.

4. Supporting Local Economy**

– Community Support**: Choosing a local printer means you’re investing in your local economy and supporting small businesses in your community. This can foster good business relationships and contribute to community development.

– Personal Relationships**: Building a relationship with a local printer can lead to better service over time as they become more familiar with your preferences and needs.

5. Environmental Considerations**

– Reduced Carbon Footprint**: Local printing can be more environmentally friendly. It reduces the need for long-distance shipping, which in turn cuts down on fuel consumption and emissions.

– Less Packaging Waste**: Local orders typically require less packaging compared to items shipped over long distances, leading to less waste.

6. Customization and Special Requests**

– Tailored Services**: Local printers are often more flexible and willing to accommodate special requests or unique projects. They can offer custom solutions that might not be available through larger, mail-order companies.

7. Cost-Effectiveness**

– Hidden Costs**: While mail order might seem cheaper upfront, hidden costs like shipping fees, return shipping for errors, and potential delays can add up. Local printing can sometimes be more cost-effective when all factors are considered.

Conclusion

While mail order printing can be convenient and sometimes cheaper, the benefits of using a local printer—such as better control, quality assurance, quick problem resolution, and support for the local economy—often outweigh the advantages of mail order. For projects where precision, speed, and customization are crucial, local printing is usually the smarter choice.

Currently we operate two different laser engraving platforms to provide us the flexibility needed to service our customers – commercial CO2 and fiber lasers. All of the platforms are redundant, allowing for continued production, even during maintenance or breakdown.

ONE LASER CANNOT DO IT ALL

We have invested in a robust range of lasers incorporating multiple technologies, giving us the flexibility to engrave items as small as 1/32th inch diameter to materials as large as 12 feet long

Size:  We can engrave products ranging from 1mm in diameter to 5’2 wide and 12’ in length.  We can cut thicknesses on most materials (other than metal) up to 1.5” thick.  This includes hardwood and acrylic.

Redundancy:  All of the services we offer to our customers are managed on lasers with redundant backup machines and up to date software schedules.

Maintenance and Storage of machines and laser data:

Our laser machines are maintained to manufacturers’ specifications. They are cleaned on a daily routine and go through a detailed service check every 2 weeks or 200 hours of run time (whichever comes first). All of our maintenance and repairs are logged for tracking purposes and we maintain in service warrantees with our manufacturers.  All of the machines’ configurations are backed up to the cloud in real time and a historical record of the backup is kept for two years.  This minimizes down time if a machine has to be replaced.