ENGRAVING & LASER CUTTING
A little Jimagination is all
you need with Trotec Laser
Laser technology has
completely transformed
Jimagination Creations,
a woodworking company
founded by James Powell,
from a small scale hobby
business to a sustainable
company.
Jimagination’s core products include coasters,
bookmarks, keyrings and A5 book covers
which are sold in craft markets and galleries.
Jim’s main method of production prior to
laser cutting and engraving was hand tools
alongside machinery such as band saws and
thicknessers. It was on a tour of New
Zealand that he first discovered the benefits
of laser technology.
the step to invest in a brand new
Speedy 300. Jim explains “My business
has transformed since adding laser
technology to its armoury. Whilst I work
from home and still class myself as
small scale, my Trotec laser has
definitely taken Jimagination from a
hobby to a sustainable business with
room for expansion.”
Wood is a material which is highly
suitable for laser cutting and engraving,
with many companies using it for a
variety of applications. For Jim, his laser
allows him to save time and money
when producing his detailed creations.
He said: “The laser products that I
make are either not possible by hand
or would be too time consuming to be
economically feasible.
“With the laser I can achieve greater
levels of detail in less time than
manually engraving. While I can also
batch produce my keyrings safe in the
knowledge that each one will be of the
same high quality.”
The processing capabilities of laser
technology have allowed Jim to take
on more bespoke orders which are not
just wooden products. “Bespoke orders for
clients is an area which I want to do more
work in. Ever since getting my laser I have
been taking on more of these orders, which
the laser gives me the freedom to do.
“I have occasionally taken orders for other
materials, including acrylic and a slate house
sign. I like how the laser is versatile enough
to process a variety of materials and it allows
me to offer clients different options as well.”
Jim said: “ During my tour I visited a lot of
galleries and gift shops and was taken with
the amount of laser cut and engraved
products that they offered. I knew that when I
got home I had to do more research into the
technology, especially what it could do for
my company and a year later I had one!”
Jim’s first laser machine was a second hand
Trotec system which he bought to take his
business in new directions.
After having his laser for several years, Jim
needed a more reliable machine and took
18
MARCH 2019
The Magazine for the
Awards & Imaging Industry
TROPHIES AWARDS ENGRAVING DOMING PERSONALISATION SUBLIMATION BESPOKE EMBROIDERY PRINTING IMAGING LASER
Despite the initial costs of laser technology,
Jim hasn’t looked back since starting with his
second user system. Since the purchase of his
Speedy 300, Jim has had his first laser
re-furbished and now has two lasers working
to produce his products.
“I have invested a lot of time and money in
to the technology but getting my first laser
four years ago has paid off. I have recently
expanded my previously cramped studio into
a space for clients to visit.”
Jim’s decision to choose Trotec as his laser of
choice was made after the support he
received during his initial enquiries. Being
based in Cornwall, Jim’s nearest laser
showroom was quite a distance away. “My
closest Trotec branch is the Yate showroom,
but I knew I wanted to invest in Trotec. My
area manager brought a laser machine to
my studio for a demonstration and once I’d
seen it I had to have it!
“The installation of the machine was a little
daunting for me. It was done in one afternoon
where I was shown all the programs needed
to operate the laser. However, the basics were
easy to pick up and I’m still learning new
things even four years on!”
The Speedy 300 is a flatbed laser with a bed
size of 726mm x 432mm and superior
product build for dust protection, making it a
versatile option for companies who engrave
and cut various materials.
For more information about Trotec’s range
of laser cutting, marking and engraving
machines visit www.troteclaser.co.uk
and to fi nd out about the diverse range
of sheet materials and engraving
supplies, visit the Trotec webshop at
www.engraving-supplies.co.uk
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