Right now, the business of 3D etching is a highly profitable endeavour that is versatile enough to allow existing traditional engravers to offer this high-tech means of etching and relatively fresh to attract new players in the market. With the sheer diversity of high-quality products that the process can output, it is a promising field that is set to influence other industries. If you’re thinking about entering the business, here are the vital things you should know.
The equipment and machines used in 3D etching, as we’ve mentioned, are sufficiently versatile to allow existing engravers to begin offering this high-tech process to their existing clientele without having to implement disruptive and radical changes in their operations. On the other hand, new players—entrepreneurs attracted by the good numbers—also get into the industry for one simple reason: the products are considered high-end or upscale, such as awards or trophies, thereby promising a good margin of profit. Not only that, but even traditional injection moulding companies also use the laser-etching equipment as a more efficient replacement to the former chemical-based etching process.
Demand
Currently, the 3D etching business field is still not overly saturated, which means anyone who would like to enter the fray can expect to have some amount of wiggle room to implement their own strategy. In business lingo, this situation is called a ‘blue ocean’ in the sense that the ‘ocean’ at this point can still promise wide profit margins for those who tap into its resources. The products of the laser engraving process are considered in the upper end of the demand spectrum—they are shiny, accurately made and beautiful to look at, and their use as special awards, trophies or plaques in certain upscale events speak well of how people regard them. That is why businesses that produce such items can command a good price for their service, which makes it easier for them to recoup their significant investment and equipment and manpower. There is also an increasing diversity of items that can be made using the process: one popular take is how photographs can be transformed into a 3D image that is then cut into crystal—a much-favoured item among consumers.
Projection
The 3D etching business is considered by many experts to have a bright future, especially from the perspective of its increasing market up-take. More and more people will opt for products made using this process, which will entice many manufacturers to enter the business, increase the competition, and thereby lower down prices. It is perhaps safe to say, therefore, that the industry will eventually shift from being one that is dominated by high-end producers and service providers—where the added value and excellent quality can fetch a premium price—into one where more and more consumers take an active part in the actual production of 3D output. This eventuality is comparable to the history of laser or inkjet printers: initially, they were too expensive for use by ordinary consumers, but now, such printers can now be found in almost every home.