ImagesMagUK_December_2021

www.images-magazine.com DECEMBER 2021 images 61 LASER SYSTEMS KB CSI Manufacturing: Epilog Fusion Edge Laser Series CSI Manufacturing, the UK and Ireland distributor for Epilog, says the new Fusion Edge laser series takes Epilog’s highest-quality engraving technology and incorporates it into smaller format systems, which allows customers to get the latest technology in a transportable format. The Fusion Edge machines feature a touchscreen display panel, on- screen artwork positioning with the IRIS camera system, and job trace functionality for quick and easy artwork set-up. “A high-quality motion control system with long-life metal/ceramic tube from 30 watts to 80 watts delivers accuracy and consistency over the whole working table,” reports CSI. “The job control software is one of the most user- friendly in the industry and compatible with most mainstream graphics packages, eg CorelDraw, Illustrator, AutoCad, etc.” The Fusion Edge CO2 laser is available in three size formats, with the Edge 12 available with an optional Fiber laser source. The Fusion Edge 12 measures 610 x 305mm; the Fusion Edge 24 is 610 x 610mm; the Fusion Edge is 914 x 610mm; and the Fusion Edge Fiber 12 is 610 x 305 mm.                The new Fusion Edge laser series from Epilog offers decorators a smaller format option friendly, especially "hearty fabrics like denim, leather, and canvas". Lasers also do well with more delicate fabrics, he says, provided the correct laser parameters are used. "As with any substrate, the operator will need to experiment a bit to dial in the speed, power and frequency settings best suited for a particular fabric. "For example, if you’re doing a surface etching on fleece, you would run the laser at a high speed and low power because you are just vaporising that top layer to reveal a contrast. On the other hand, if you were cutting a sheet of leather, you would slow the laser down a bit and use a higher power setting." In the Trotec step-by-step on page 54, it took around 30 seconds to etch a small leather patch. As William says, laser systems are "exceptionally versatile". The trick to getting the most out of them is understanding that rather than there being just one or two specific markets that are 'laser-friendly', laser cutters/ engravers can both benefit your existing clients and enable your business to target completely new sectors.