Craft Focus - October/November 2020 (Issue 81)

83 COMPANY PROFILE Setting new standards James Hutton, marketing executive at Trotec Laser Ltd tells us all about the company and how they have gained the reputation for being a one- stop supplier for many businesses needing engraving and laser services Tell us a little bit about the history of Trotec. Who started the company and when? Trotec was formed in 1997 from a research branch of Trodat, the world leader in self- inking stamps. Originally founded to fulfil the manufacturing requirements of our parent company, Trotec has since become a world leader in laser cutting and engraving technology. We serve customers in more than 90 countries and have more than 500 employees worldwide. How has the company evolved over the years? From its inception Trotec has been at the forefront of innovation in laser cutting and engraving technology, creating a range of systems to meet the needs of customers in varied industries, from crafts to industrial manufacturing. Beginning with the production of the flagship Speedy series of laser engravers, Trotec has continued to innovate in the field of laser technology, developing the desktop Rayjet for crafts and small businesses, large format laser cutters for signage and display along with high speed laser marking machines suited for personalisation of finished goods. The introduction of the engravable materials range has allowed Trotec to cement a reputation as a one-stop supplier for many businesses, offering materials such as wood, acrylic, laminates, laser paper, cork and others which are specially selected for the results that are achieved when laser cut and engraved. Talk us through your current collections. Trotec’s range of laser machines includes the desktop Rayjet and the Speedy series. Designed for productivity, Trotec laser machines feature intuitive, easy-to-use software, allowing users to swiftly create designs and send them to the laser using their preferred design software. Trotec lasers easily replicate the design no matter how intricate the details. The combination of intuitive software and durable hardware allows users to easily turn their designs into tangible products within minutes. The ever-expanding range of laserable materials and gifts includes everything required to create stunning crafts, including plastic sheets, woods, acrylics, paper and more. A range of services including cut- to-size and next day delivery ensures that materials meet your specifications and arrive ready for processing. The recently expanded engravable gift range includes a selection of products which can be easily personalised with a laser machine, including notebooks, drinking bottles and hip flasks. With personalisation becoming an increasingly popular and lucrative market, the ability to easily personalise these products allows significant value to be added for customers. What’s your bestselling product? The Speedy series is Trotec’s flagship product range. Found in many industries, from sole-trader craft businesses to education and global industry, the high powered laser machines are available with laser power up to 120 watts for processing thick materials and are available with CO2, fiber or dual source laser technology. TroLase engraving laminates are our best-selling material. Specially developed to offer optimum qualities for laser cutting and engraving, this 2-ply material features a contrasting core and top layer, allowing for effective contrasts to be created by laser cutting and engraving. What crafts are becoming more popular? The versatility of a laser cutter and engraver means that Trotec customers in the craft industry are creating anything from laser cut acrylic jewellery to personalised coasters, intricately engraved wall art and leather or textile goods. The high levels of productivity and ease-of- use of a Trotec laser means that Trotec customers are able to meet the increasing demand for bespoke products. How often do you launch new products? We generally have several new product launches per year. Our materials portfolio has grown considerably in recent years, and throughout 2020 we’ve expanded the range to include three exciting new acrylic varieties, pastel, neon and the new extruded range. This year will also see the launch of at least three new laser cutting and engraving systems, designed with different features and budgets in mind. What new products can we expect from you in the future? A new addition to the Rayjet range is the new R400, designed for entry-level users who require a larger bed size than the original Rayjet 50 offers. The R400 will be available from £7,000 from September. We’re also due to further expand our engravable gift range this year to include more varieties of our engravable hip flasks and drinking bottles in glitter varieties. Trotec Laser Ltd +44 (0)1915 801 184 sales@troteclaser.co.uk https://www.troteclaser.com/en-gb/

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