Issue link: https://nbm.uberflip.com/i/1482193
G R A P H I C S - P R O. C O M N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 2 • G R A P H I C S P R O 7 5 Open-Architecture Equipped to handle large, heavy and irregular shaped objects such as large signs and full sheets of acrylic! No Heavy-lifting Needed Focus your laser directly to the material with the adjustable z-axis. Unbox your potential with no size or weight limitations Visit APLazer.com or call 800-585-8617. INTRODUCING The NEW SN1812LR Large Object Engraving Made Easy Drop the Laser Beam to the Ground or anywhere in between wood-crafted curriculum products. Hatch, curious about how the machine cuts, engraves, and scores a variety of materials, wanted to learn more and researched how to use the machine, realizing he could solve his labeling problem. "I got into laser engraving for the quality and professionalism of it," Hatch says. Six years ago, Hatch started making labels at home, then would transport the items to Alaska during his rotations — he works three weeks on, then has three weeks off for his shifts. Last year, Hatch purchased a second machine so he could make the labels on-site. "Instead of stickers, it made it real nice to etch for the longev- ity and the look of it," Hatch says. Hatch's laser engraver can either engrave or cut and score depending on the material, making the markings by using a CO 2 light laser. e material can be almost anything, includ- ing wood, plywood, acrylic, stone, brass, aluminum, stainless steel, and leather, but the majority of Hatch's work is done on stainless steel. MOVING ON TO LASER MARKING To make its marks and cuts, the printer uses a focused, high- powered laser beam, but unlike other laser engravers, it doesn't Hatch printed a strapping chart onto a stainless-steel panel that can be mounted on a wall of a lube truck. A strapping stick with inch gradations is used to determine the number of gallons of fuel.