Laser Etcher - Q and A.docx
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- Laser Etcher
- Solicitation number
- FA485525Q0060
About this file
This document is a Questions and Answers (Q&A) file for a Laser Etcher solicitation by the Department of the Air Force Special Operations Command. The Q&A addresses a specific technical requirement for laser etching, clarifying that a standalone CO2 laser etcher is not acceptable. The government requires a dual-source laser etcher (CO2 60W & Fiber 30W) capable of precision engraving on metals, plastics, and composites, with specific technical specifications including a 24" x 24" x 9" work area, resolution of 75-1200 DPI, engraving speed up to 165 IPS, and a minimum operational lifespan of 50,000 laser hours. The solicitation emphasizes the need for a machine that can permanently mark tools, equipment, and other durable items without voiding manufacturer warranties, with power constraints limited to a standard 120V wall outlet.
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Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Laser Etcher - Q and A.pdf | ||
| Spec Sheet Laser Etcher.pdf | ||
| Combo Synopsis Solicitation Laser Etcher.pdf | ||
| CLSExport_FA485525Q0060.pdf |
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Laser Etcher – Q & A
Question 1: Does “engrave metals” mean direct engraving into bare metals (e.g., deep etching into the substrate), or would surface marking of coated/anodized metals using a CO₂ laser with marking agents (such as CerMark) be acceptable?
Answer: The short answer is No, we cannot utilize a stand-alone CO2 laser etcher. The long answer; the marking agent is roughly $80 a can and will at best allow 10-12 applications before being fully consumed. Our CTK has over 1000+ items of chrome/shiny metal that require etching. The majority of these tools have been labeled with stickers to prevent utilizing a hand engraver Dremel (which will void warranty on specific tools).
A dual laser etcher that does both Fiber and CO2 will give us the ability to laser etch all items across multiple different materials without voiding warranties with Snap-on and other tool manufacturers. We also have a wall power outlet limiting factor within our Tool Crib that prevents us from utilizing any sort of laser etcher that pulls more than the standard wall outlet of 120v.
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .