The ILS-3NM model from Laser of Taiwan has a maximum speed of 1,542mm per second. It can create patterns with 167, 200, 250, 333, 500 and 1,000dpi resolutions.

New designs are mostly computer-controlled laser units that deliver fast and accurate operations.

Engraving machine suppliers in mainland China and Taiwan are gearing product development toward models with greater efficiency.

To meet the speed and precision requirements of different applications, many companies are releasing computer-controlled laser models. These are equipped with digital signal processors that provide high-speed, real-time computing. The devices also allow multiple access memory, which enables users to save and retrieve the work in progress.

The speed and accuracy of these units can reach 360,000mm per second and 0.05mm, respectively. A wide resolution range of 166 to 1,000dpi is also offered.

The laser source, which influences engraving capacity greatly, varies depending on the application. The carbon dioxide-powered designs are suitable for the electronic, automotive, medical instrument, metal tool and precision machine industries.

Some models feature a diode-pumped solid state laser in which the active medium is a semiconductor similar to that found in LEDs.

Such machines can perform subsurface engraving of 2-D and 3-D images on crystal and glass at a rate of 2,500 points per second.

For precision marking, designs featuring a UV laser are being launched. Units emitting a 355nm wavelength can drill a hole less than 10mm. Products are suitable for slicing soft PCBs, drilling minute holes on silicone wafers, and marking aluminum film used as the packing material of food and medicine.

Compatibility with mainstream CAD/CAM software is also considered essential. As such, new laser engraving machines can work with Type3, ArtCAM, Pro/E, UG, Castmate, Wentai and CAXA programs. Moreover, they can process projects in DXF, JPEG, BMP, GIF, PLT, G-code or HPGL format.

	Mainland China's Hefei Siwei offers the SW2500 model, a CNC engraving machine with an advanced IC design for precise calculation and high-speed data transmission.

Most companies are equipping units with improved cooling systems to prevent overheating. Laser engraving machines from Han's Laser Technology Co. Ltd are fitted with a water-cooling system that emits less noise compared with previous designs.

One of the mainland's largest engraving machine manufacturers, the supplier allots 5 to 10 percent of expenditure to R&D and offers more than 80 models.

Hefei Siwei CNC Machinery Co. Ltd's line consists of CE-certified water- and air-cooled CNC and laser units.

The company collaborates with the University of Science and Technology of China and Hefei University of Technology in product development. It has introduced designs with a dust-collecting device to prevent dirt buildup, which can cause premature breakdown, especially of moving parts.

Models from Jinan Jinshengxing Machinery Manufacture Co. Ltd feature a water-cooled spindle motor. These can engrave or cut bamboo, wood, crystal, glass, marble, leather, rubber and plastic.

To avoid misalignment, mainland-made engraving machines are also being fitted with a self-centering vice or auto-centering clamps for holding any shape of material securely.

Huagong Tech Co. Ltd offers models with these configurations. Further, its latest products have a service life of up to 100,000 hours.

The publicly listed company has merged with Australia's Farley and Laser Lab for greater manufacturing capability.

Taiwan makers are incorporating value-added features in their new models.

The majority of releases have an LCD screen that provides the user with information on the laser power, engraving speed, run time, files stored in the memory and file names of active projects.

Laser Tools & Technics Corp. offers units with a large working platform that measures 1,000x600mm. The structure has a red beam pointer and features an auto-focus function, making it easy to work on delicate patterns.

The company's engraving machines can be controlled through an independent computer that enables the user to monitor project status without coming near the working area. Certain models can even be run online via Ethernet.

At B-Cut Technology Co. Ltd, some units can be activated with a remote control. The supplier also emphasizes component standardization to facilitate the replacement of worn-out parts.

The electronic parts of Taiwan-made products are mostly sourced overseas. Laser acquires telescopic lenses from Syrad of the US, while IC controllers and LCD panels are purchased in Japan. B-Cut sources stepper motors from Japan-based Sanyo.

Targeting the low-end and midrange segments, per-unit prices range from $10,000 to $30,000. Exports go to Brazil, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Vietnam.