3rd Quarter 2011

Technical

Library: Bottom-

Up vs Top-Down

Engraving

Sample

Club: Magnetic

Periodic Table

of Elements

Aspen

Engraving

incorporates two

Epilog systems

to meet customer

demand

Page 3 Page 3Page 1 Page 2

Epilog to

be Featured

on Award

Winning TV

Show Everyday

Edisons

Laser engraving technology Sparks Business Idea for Former PC tech in SerbiaAspen Engraving incorporates two Epilog systems to meet customer demand

For the past seven years former computer technician, Slavko Nikolic, has been the owner, manager, designer, laser operator and customer service representative for Aspen Laser Engraving & Cutting Services located in Pozega, Serbia.

Though he’s had assistance from his father, for whom he is very grateful, Slavko tells us, “I’m pretty much a one-man show, and now I can add ‘website builder’ to the list as I have recently started building my online presence.”

The decision for Slavko to leave his previous position was largely influenced by sheer curiosity. “A few years ago I saw an ad on the Internet for a ‘laser printer’, but it was so ridiculously expensive I didn’t even read the text,” Slavko said. “Two years later I was interested in going into business for myself and for some reason I remembered that ad. When I discovered the equipment was actually a laser engraving and cutting system, I found it fascinating and for an entire year I carefully researched the machinery, its capabilities and different manufacturers.”

“In 2004 I selected an Epilog Legend 24TT and, with help from my father, I started Aspen Engraving,” Slavko said, “Because of all my research, I immediately knew all the

16371 Table Mountain Parkway Golden, CO 80403 www.epiloglaser.com

possibilities the laser brought about - I couldn’t wait to get started.”

While Aspen produces and sells stamps, Slavko tells us the primary source of revenue for his business is performing laser engraving and cutting services to a diverse clientele. “We work for larger production companies as well as individual customers who want unique and special gifts. Souvenirs also make up a portion of our business. I love the creativity involved and how great it feels to fulfill the precise requests from our customers,” Slavko said. “We have many popular applications; however, lately there has been an increase in religious items, which reminds me of my first (and favorite) engraving of the Holy Mother.” Slavko said a large factor in

WeB uPdateS

tech Library: using the Weld tool in CoreldraW: epiloglaser.com/tl_weld.htm

News: epilog Laser and Instructables announce Fourth epilog Challenge: epiloglaser.com/news_epilog_challenge4.htm

tech Library: Cleaning the Optics in your epilog Laser System: epiloglaser.com/tl_clean_optics.htm

News: Laseru Offers Free Seven-day trial to New epilog Customers: epilog laser.com/news_laseru.htm

Sample Club: Laser Cut Butterfly Pendant: epiloglaser.com/sc_butterfly.htm

Wood Business Card by Aspen Engraving

Inside:• Aspen Engraving incorporates two Epilog

systems to meet customer demand• Epilog to be Featured on Award Winning TV

Show Everyday Edisons• Technical Library: Bottom-Up vs Top-Down

Engraving• Sample Club: Laser Engraved and Cut

Periodic Table of Elements

(Continued Pg. 2)

Phonedate2011 educational Clinics and Laser Seminars

Orlando, FLJackson & Associates

Double Tree Hotel5780 Major Blvd.Orlando, FL 32819407-351-1000

P: 770-536-8300 Oct 21, 22

San Antonio, TXEngraving ConceptsHoliday Inn Express San Antonio Airport91 Northeast Loop 410San Antonio, TX 78216

P: 817- 460-8122November 11, 12

LocationSponsorVenue

We update our educational clinics regularly, so check epiloglaser.com/educational_clinics.htm to find dates and venues for the coming year.

If you're enrolled in ARA's certification program, these clinics have been approved by ARA's Education Committee and are eligible for .8 CEU credits. Visit www.ara.org for more information.

For more technical articles and sample downloads, visit our web site at www.epiloglaser.com

eNgraVINg CuttINg markINg

Sample Club: Laser Cutting Lasermag for Periodic table of elements Whether you're lasering in the classroom or lasering for the classroom, Epilog Laser systems can create unique and exciting educational resources for any learning level. Using laserable brass-coated steel, we engraved the entire periodic table of elements and cut gold LASERmag for each individual element. The base features clues and tid-bits about each element to help students memorize the properties of each element and where it goes on the table.

You'll need:

•Base:12"x24"laserablebrass-coatedsteelfromJohnsonPlastics.

•Elements:12"x24"LASERmagbrushedgoldmagneticsheet,available from LaserBits.

First, insert the brass-coated steel in the the engraver. Open the file sc_periodic_table.cdr and send it to the laser.

Next, insert the LASERmag material into the engraver. Open the file sc_elements.cdr and print it to the laser. When it's complete it will look like the image to the right.

Instructions continued online... For complete instructions and to download the sample file visit epiloglaser.com/sc_periodic_table.htm

technical Library: using the Bottom-up engraving Option in the Laser dashboard As any engraver knows, most materials you engrave or cut can produce a certain amount of debris. This is especially true with woods, acrylics and plastics. Epilog’s Laser Dashboard™ features an array of engraving options to help you get the most from your system, including the Bottom-up engraving feature.

The Bottom-Up engraving feature is one of the most popular options within the Laser Dashboard. This feature applies to Raster engraving only and allows you to engrave your project either from the top down, or the bottom up. This is very helpful for some materials like plastic or rubber stamps. In standard top-down engraving there can be a large amount of engraving debris generated. As the debris moves towards the exhaust plenum, some of it collects in the area that has just been engraved. Bottom-Up engraving prevents the debris from collecting in the freshly engraved spaces.

The next time you engrave a material with a significant amount of debris, consider using the bottom-up engraving function for easier clean-up and a better overall look.

selecting a CO2 laser from Epilog was the variety of materials that can be engraved. “We have used every material you can imagine in our business!” he tells us. “Mostly wood, Rowmark materials and acrylic, but we’ve also used brick, sugar, even toast,"Slavkosaid."Iactuallyatethelaseredtoast,butIdon'trecommendit,"hejoked.After purchasing the laser and establishing the business, it took only a few short years before Slavko knew it was time to upgrade. “I knew exactly what I needed,” he said. “Bigger working area and more power.” For his second purchase, Slavko knew the features and benefits he was looking for and began the research process to find the system that best met his needs.

“Honestly it was a dead tie between Epilog and another U.S. laser manufacturer,” Slavko said, “but what closed the deal was Epilog’s technical support. What do we think about that decision now? Well, after purchasing the 50-watt Helix in 2009, our business has greatly improved and that says it all.”

Epilog Laser recently announced the company will be featured on seasons four and five of Everyday Edisons, the Emmy and Telly award-winning inventor series, which is distributed by American Public Television and airs on national public television affiliates.

“One of the most exciting things about our business is seeing all the amazing creations Epilog Laser users dream up,” said Mike Dean, vice president of sales and marketing for Epilog Laser. “We’re thrilled to be on board with Everyday Edisons and we’re excited to be providing them with powerful equipment that can help turn finalist’s inventions into realities.”

Thousands of hopefuls are screened each season by the Everyday Edisons crew. Only a lucky handful are selected as “Everyday Edisons” and documented on the show as they transform their extraordinary ideas from a sketch on a napkin to a store shelf.

”We’re committed to featuring innovative technology on Everyday Edisons and using such tools to help independent inventors reach their dreams,” said Kara Sheaffer, assistant producer of Everyday Edisons. “We’re delighted to be working with Epilog Laser, and can’t wait to see how we can utilize this impressive equipment in our upcoming seasons.”

Season three is now available nationwide on public television stations, and filming for season four is currently underway.

epilog to be Featured on award Winning tV Show everyday edisons

acrylic Wood Plastic

Project Photos by Aspen Engraving