2-D Laser System May Surpass 3-D Printers, Lansing Firm Says

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tThe newly patented All-Purpose (AP) Lazer — a division of Lansing-based SuperNova International — has the potential to surpass 3-D printing in the marketplace, the company announced today.

t“Sure, 3-D printing is generating excitement in the media,” says AP Lazer inventor Tong Li. “But 3-D printers are new, with only a small prototyping market. AP Lazer is leading the way towards permanently printing on all surfaces of the world. Even if 3-D printers can print an entirely new 3-D world, they are generating new surfaces, large or small, for AP Lazers to engrave.”

tTraditionally, 2-D machines work mainly on small and lightweight products, such as jewelry and small gifts. The new offering, however, has an expanded range of applications and can be used to engrave surfaces such as furniture, floors, and walls, Li says.

tThe AP Lazer increases the capacity of a laser beam by dividing the traditional boxed laser engraver into two parts, a carriage cart and a removable Z table underneath. With an open bottom, the AP Lazer can be used with large wood structures, stones, bricks, and concrete products.

tLi says universities, auto manufacturers, hardware stores, sign makers, award and engraving shops, and funeral homes are using the system.

tRick Fischer, CEO of Everlasting Memorial Jewelry in Strongsville, Ohio, says he found unexpected markets open up after acquiring the AP Lazer system.

t“My business has expanded to include glass-bottle engravings, unique personalized gifts, trophies, brick work, as well as caskets and cemetery monuments,” Fischer says.