|
Although the Korean sign industry has long
been utilizing engraving machines, it first used a computerized engraving
machine in earnest at the end of the 1990s. As engraved signs attract more
public attention than flat-faced signs, interest in the introduction and
utilization of engraving machines in the sign industry has steadily
grown.
|
Attracting Interest with Its Capability
for Rich Expression and Efficiency
To make a dimensional
application, an engraving machine is basically needed. Engraving machines can be
simply defined as ‘systems that engrave letters or figures on a panel.’ One of
the representative engraving machines used to produce signs is the
computerized-engraving-machine using cutter. There are also laser engraving and
water jet engraving machines, as well as sand blasters, etc., which differ in
their uses or in the materials that they can process. Normally, engraving
machines are of the CNC (Computer Numerical Control) type, whereby computers
control the numbers. CNC engraving machines are classified into engravers and
routers, with routers becoming more popular. This paper deals with CNC-type
engraving machines (hereinafter referred to as ‘engraving machines’), which are
most popular in the sign industry and most highly utilizable. The primarily
feature of this type of engraving machine is its usability for three-dimensional
(3D) engraving, since its computer controller performs X, Y, and Z-axis
controls. That is, whereas cutting machines perform plain processes by
controlling the X and Y-axes, the engraving machine has another axis, Z, which
enables it to move vertically and thus, process three-dimensionally. ‘3D
processing’ means that the sign can be engraved as a solid body, such as a
statue. As 3D processing is possible with engraving machines, simpler expression
techniques such as two-dimensional (2D) or 2.5D processing are obviously
possible. With engraving machines’ capability for rich expression, their
efficiency, and the tendency towards 3D signs, sign companies are not only
becoming more interested in engraving machines but are actually demanding it
more and more. Lee, Jae Sik, the CEO of Nuri Machine Technology Co., Ltd., a
domestic engraving machine manufacturer, said, “The sales of engraving machines
increased last year compared to the year before, and increased this year
compared to last year.” Because of the increasing demand for signs produced with
engraving machines, distributors for engraving machine have been more earnestly
enforcing their sales in the sign market. |
|
The Growth Potential of Engraving
Machines
After closely evaluating the growth potential of the
demand for engraving machines, new companies are continuously entering the
market. That is, companies in other industries that have evaluated the growth
potential of the sign industry are becoming more interested in the sign market.
Cheong, Jae Ho, the general team manager of Hass Automation Korea Co., Ltd., an
industrial engraving machine specialty manufacturer, said, “We have just
introduced our GR series of engraving machines that meet the demands of the sign
industry.” He added that the performance of engraving machines will be
continuously upgraded and their size will grow, reflecting the characteristics
of the sign industry, which in turn reflects cutting-edge social trends.
Engraving machine experts commonly note, however, that some people consider
cutting machines more important than even high-performance engraving machines.
|
Specialty That Competitors Do Not
Carry
For engraving applications, the performance of the equipment
is important. More important, though, is the person who fully utilizes the
equipment, because the quality of the product depends on how creatively and
productively the machine is operated. Lee, Gyeon Hee, the general manager of
Fawoo Technology Co., Ltd., said, “The processing of engraving manufacturing
companies is to help engraving machine users develop their creative job
applications.” He also explained that engraving machines manufacturers need to
provide not only education for basic operations self-diagnosis and urgent repair
ability but also exclusive software education to enable engraving machine users
to effectively use their machines. When purchasing an engraving machine, not
only its performance and price should be considered, but also what kind of
support the manufacturer provides for the machine’s users. |
| |
