Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs will be added to, and updated periodically

General

Where Is Laser My Wheels Located?

Our base of operation is located in Vancouver, WA.

Why Choose Laser My Wheels?

Simply put, we are the one and only company in the world that has succeeded in developing a working process specifically designed to process automotive wheels in a laser engraving application (for decorative/aesthetic purposes)!

Looking back at the journey to get here, it is entirely obvious to us as to why it did not happen until we came along:

  • Until we came along, no laser equipment manufacturer had any machine that was designed, or engineered with this use case in mind.
  • There are no online tutorials, white papers, or other similar information on how to approach the file handling and development to be able to process wheels in laser equipment.
  • The entire process had to be developed from scratch.
  • This means we (quite literally) wrote the book on laser engraving wheels!

Our Gen. 1 Workstation gives Wheel Manufacturers, and businesses in the Wheel & Tire Industries a new, and affordable value-added service to offer their clients that was previously unavailable!

Does LMW Manufacture Laser Equipment?

Our Laser Workstation solution has been specifically engineered to handle and process automotive wheels in a laser engraving application!

Our workstation has been approved for retail release, and is now available for purchase!

Do These Lasers Engrave More Than Wheels?

Absolutely!

The rotary device can be moved away from the workspace, and with an optional table insert (availability TBA), you can set the laser system up to conduct flat work.

Clients who are interested in custom engraving on automotive parts will find a lot of versatility in this class of laser marking/engraving equipment!

How Quickly Can We Be Up and Running?

Our Laser Workstations are available to order now!

Current manufacturing lead time for production of each order is estimated at 6-8 weeks.

There is some degree of training that will be required for most first-time users, which will be available through a digital user manual, as well as a planned Video Training Series (available to registered equipment owners only).

Does Laser My Wheels Offer Laser Engraving Services?

Our sole focus is to manufacture, and sell machines that are designed to handle and engrave wheels.

For a number of very important reasons, we are not offering these types of engraving services ourselves, such as:

  • Doing so would put us in direct conflict with the manufacturers, retailers, and custom builders that we are setting up with our equipment and processes.
  • Our production capabilities are centered around manufacturing, not offering end user services.
  • The logistics in shipping wheels back and forth for us to engrave make far less sense than bringing the capabilities to do this directly to businesses that already operate within the Automotive Customization and Wheel & Tire industries.

What Services Does Laser My Wheels Sell?

What we are offering is the manufacture, sales, training, support, and marketing assistance to our world-first process, and equipment, so that your company can bring these next-level customization services, in-house!

We have put together simple, straightforward equipment and service options that will let us equip, train, and support your company, no matter where you are in the world, giving your company access to a totally brand new, and unique service that will absolutely give you an advantage over your competition!

Review our Equipment & Services page, or Contact us today for more information!

Laser vs. CNC Mill Engraving

Some companies have been able to offer some variation of engraved designs on wheels using CNC milling machines, but currently, virtually all of this type of customization available at the commercial level is offered by businesses that offer hand-engraving services.

Laser engraving wheels has many distinct advantages over CNC milling:

  • Simpler setup
  • Simpler programming
  • Simpler fixturing
  • Zero contact with the part
  • More intricate designs
  • Faster throughput
  • No consumables
  • Lower operating cost
  • Much smaller equipment footprint

How Much Can Laser Engraved Wheels Retail For?

That depends on a myriad of factors, which would be covered through a free consultation, but generally speaking, the main drivers of retail pricing for engraving services will be determined by:

  • The market you serve
  • Wheel dimensions
  • Complexity of design
  • The amount of surface area being engraved
  • Post-engraving finish work

You could be looking at a little as $300.00/wheel for some light-duty, fast turnaround type work, or as much as $10,000.00+/wheel for some much more intensive custom design work on the largest of wheels.

It ultimately depends on the market you serve, and the work they want done.

We generally advise our clients to develop a base portfolio of stock designs on the wheels that they sell before they offer up custom design work.

Developing a stock product catalog with a variety of design options that covers a wide range of prices maximizes the exposure of these services to your customer base.

We have developed an ROI calculator that can provide you with some assistance in determining potential profitability.

Does Laser My Wheels Sell Wheels & Tires?

No.

We are a small laser engraving company that is offering businesses in the Wheel & Tire industry a one-of-a-kind opportunity to add a brand new, cool, unique, and highly profitable service with incredible built-in marketing to their existing service portfolio!

With our unique, world first process, companies can easily add these services to their facilities to give themselves a competitive edge in the Automotive Customization industry.

Do You Have a Showroom?

No, but that is certainly a part of our early expansion plans, once we hit specific revenue milestones.

We are simply a laser engraving company that had a crazy idea that we developed into a commercially viable solution to serve the Wheel & Tire industry.

Can This Process Only Be Applied To Crazy Full Wrap Designs?

No, absolutely not!

We wanted to showcase designs that took advantage of the entire lip space, to give you an idea of what is absolutely possible when implementing our process.

Your designs can absolutely be scaled down to be more simple, subdued, or conservative.

You can do simple logos, full crazy wrap work, and everything in between!

This process is flexible, and very versatile, which means you will be able to serve the widest range of customers in your market.

Safety/PPE

What PPE Is Recommended For Safe Laser Operation?

At a minimum, we advise the implementation, and use of specific, rated safety glasses, engineered for use around Class IV laser systems.

  • Protective Eyewear (glasses, goggles, face shields) that offer protection in the 1064nm wavelength

If your business:

  • Has employees.
  • Allows clients/customers to be potentially exposed to your processing equipment while in operation (tours, visitors, etc) .

Then, we strongly advise setting up, and operating your Class IV laser system(s) in a controlled-access area.

A controlled-access area can be:

  • A dedicated room that is separate, and isolated (separated by walls and doors) from the trafficked, or common-use areas in your building.
  • Modular Barriers (panels or curtains that are engineered and intended for use with Class IV laser systems) that are set up to surround your laser processing station(s) on your shop floor.

Controlled-access areas go a long way to prevent unintended exposure to stray emissions/reflections while the laser is in operation.

Are These Laser Stations Only Offered In A Class IV Configuration?

Currently, yes.

We do have plans to design another workstation model that will be equipped with an enclosure, but for the initial launch, we opted to go for an enclosure-free Class IV design for multiple reasons, to include:

  • Elimination of physical constraints: The implementation of an enclosure would impose an upper limit for the wheel sizes that could be handled by our machine.
  • We have tested our current system to handle 32" diameter wheels, but there is nothing that currently prevents LARGER wheels from being processed in our current "enclosure-free" design.
  • Availability of modular barriers: The level of safety offered by an enclosure is the same level of safety offered by (properly installed and maintained) modular laser barrier systems.
  • The availability of modular laser barrier systems means that a fixed-enclosure machine design is not the only option for the safe operation of a Class IV laser system.
  • Keeping costs down: No enclosure = less material & labor costs, which translates to lower end user costs.
  • Keeping weight down: Shipping cost reduction = lower end user costs.

Do You Sell Protective Eyewear?

Absolutely! You can view our protective eyewear offerings here!

Do You Sell Modular Barrier Systems?

Absolutely! You can view our offerings of laser barrier systems here!

Equipment & Services

What Training Will Be Provided?

Each of our Laser Workstations comes with a digital user manual, as well as free remote support through TeamViewer

We have a free Video Training Series in the works.

The videos contained in our training series will only be accessible to Registered Owners of our Wheel Engraving Workstations.

Video training will include information on topics like use procedures of the equipment and hardware, as well as basic graphic development and programming procedures.

Are There Plans For A Certified Training Program?

This is something that is being explored.

At this time, we cannot state whether or not a formal certification program will exist, however, it is something that we have an interest in developing.

Are There Any Financing, or Lease To Own Options?

No financing options are available at this time.

This is something that will be explored, once we have begun fulfilling manufacturing orders.

Is A Down Payment Required?

Yes.

A minimum 25% deposit is required before your machine can be manufactured.

Current anticipated manufacturing lead time estimates are at 6-8 weeks from the date of purchase.

Orders must be paid in full prior to any equipment shipping from our facility.

How Much Do The Wheel Engraving Workstations Cost?

Base MSRP for a fully-equipped Wheel Engraving Laser Workstation is $59,997.00.

We do offer a stripped-down version of our workstation, aimed at more laser-savvy users that does not include a laser system, or rotary device, with a base MSRP of $29,999.00.

Process

Does This Process Completely Eliminate Handwork?

Generally speaking, yes.

In most cases, our process eliminates most, if not all hand engraving work.

There may be situations where light hand-work may be necessary as a part of a blending, or tie-in procedure, but when properly implemented, our equipment and process eliminates all handwork.

How Quickly Can Wheels Be Engraved?

Laser engraving wheels can be done by orders of magnitude faster than can possibly be achieved by hand engraving alone.

That being said, there are many variables that will directly impact how quickly any engraving project can be completed:

  • Base material
  • Wheel dimensions
  • Laser parameters
  • Laser power
  • Surface area engraved
  • Number of surfaces engraved
  • Surface marking, or deep engraving
  • Complexity of the design
  • Complexity of the program

The one thing you can be assured of though, is that you will be able to have your completed wheels on your customers' favorite ride in a matter of days, or even hours, compared to MANY weeks, or months (as is the case with 100% hand-engraved services).

Because of the high-turnaround that is offered through laser engraving, it is something that can easily be scaled up as your business demand increases.

What Type Of Wheels Can Be Laser Engraved?

Base Material: Aluminum wheels have the highest engraving efficiency rates, but alloys and steel wheels can be processed as well.

Finish: Painted, anodized, or powder coated wheels, brushed finish, or polished chrome can all be laser engraved.

Wheel Structure or Build: Monoblock, 2-, or 3-piece wheels can easily be laser engraved using this process. Wheels that are comprised of multiple components may require custom fixturing to attach to the rotary device.

Can These Machines Only Engrave Automotive Wheels?

No! These machines can engrave any large-diameter wheel (or other cylindrical-shaped object), including motorcycle, or bicycle wheels!

Does This Process Require A Background In Laser Equipment Operation To Succeed?

Absolutely not!

Between our user manual, our planned training video series, Certified Training Services, and Support options, your company will have all of the required tools, training, and support that will allow you to custom engrave wheels with ease!

We take all of the guesswork out so that you can focus on the rest of your operation with as little delay and interruption as possible.

What Type Of Software Is Required?

When equipped with a laser system, each Workstation that is purchased comes with a licensed copy of LightBurn.

With regard to graphic file development, we provide you with some ideas and solutions to fit those software needs in our user guide, as well as our upcoming Video Training Series.

Do We Have To Provide Our Own Graphic Software?

If you are purchasing a workstation with a Laser System, the control software is included with that purchase.

For your graphic design needs, you will need to provide your own graphic design software solution.

How User Friendly Is This Process?

After training is complete, your company will know how to set up engraving jobs, from start to finish (though we will still be a resource to assist if needed).

That being said, similar to CNC milling, the most involved and time intensive step in this process lies in the initial setup and programming.

Once the program has been developed, this process becomes as simple as loading the program at the work station, fixturing and positioning the part, and running the job.

After the part has been loaded, and the job has been executed, no further need for human input is required until the job is complete, and another part is to be loaded.

The following factors make this process very friendly in production environments, and even friendlier for companies who want to scale these services up:

  • Small physical footprint
  • Low energy cost
  • Low human input
  • High quality
  • High repeatability
  • High throughput

Can This Process Be Automated?

There are some required steps to properly, and safely fixture/position the wheel in the machine that also require human interaction to complete.

There is also a requirement for direct human involvement during the Detailing operation that there is currently no workaround for.

That is not to say that automation could not be a reality at some point in the future, but there are some Quality Control checks, and Process Steps that must be made by a human being at specific intervals throughout the entire process.

Once the primary operation is underway, and the machine is executing the program, there is no need for human interaction until the unloading/reloading step, so in a sense, that part of the production phase is inherently automated.

Are LMW's machines, or process under patent?

Yes.

Equipment/Hardware

Is The Engraving Equipment Leased, or Owned?

The Wheel Engraving Workstations that are ordered from us are purchased, not leased.

They are yours to keep.

Can The Laser Engraving Machines Only Do Rotary Work?

Absolutely not!

The rotary device can be moved away from the work area to allow for flatwork engraving of other large automotive/motorcycle/other components.

Do The Engraving Systems Come With Fume Extractors?

Fume extractors are available as an optional purchase.

How Large Are The Machines?

The footprint for the Laser Workstation is 42in x 40in, and is 60in tall (when equipped with our 200W fiber laser).

Technical

Is Engraving Limited Only To The Outer Lip?

Absolutely not!

This machinery offers a lot of versatility, and with creative minds behind it, there are lots of surfaces on a wheel that can be personalized!

We just showcase the outer lip area, because it is simply the most "dramatic" location that can make an impact.

The rotary device can be fixtured at 0 to 90 degrees, which gives options to engrave on the spoke areas, or even repositioned to allow for engraving flat work.

There is a lot of versatility in this process which translates to a lot of creativity to make this process unique to your company/brand.

Can Powder Coated Wheels Be Laser Engraved?

Yes, absolutely!

The process of laser engraving does generate heat, and some coating formulations may not stand up as well as others when being laser engraved.

What Wheel Sizes Can Be Engraved?

The smallest wheel diameter that we have tested in our Laser Workstation is 15" (35.56cm).

There is no upper limit with the largest wheel diameter size that can be processed, but the largest size that we have tested in our Laser Workstation is 32" (381.28cm).

They don't get much larger than that in terms of commercially available wheels, but the smaller wheel sizes will be more likely to be limited in scope, due to physical constraints with some components of the laser system.

There are two components that have a direct effect on how small, or how large of a work piece your machine will be able to handle:

Rotary Devices:

  • Stage 1 Rotary (included) for handling 15" (35.56cm) tested through 18" (45.72cm) wheel diameters
  • Stage 2 Rotary for handling 15" (35.56cm) tested through 24" (60.96cm) wheel diameters
  • Stage 3 Rotary for handling 15" (35.56cm) tested through 32" (81.28cm) wheel diameters

All 3 rotary device options are capable of working with the smallest wheel size, but there are limits to the maximum size that the rotary devices have been tested to handle.

Users who do work with larger diameter wheels will be advised to consider upgrading to the Stage 2, or Stage 3 rotary device option.

Focal Lenses:

The focal lenses have a focal height that determines the distance that the scan head is required to be positioned at, relative to the surface of the workpiece.

Wheels in the smaller diameter ranges will be limited to working with smaller lens work areas due to potential collision between the wheel, and the scan head.

Both variables will be covered extensively in our user manual and our planned video training series.

What Is The Deepest Lip Depth That Can Be Engraved?

Outer Lip depths up to 12" can be laser engraved in a single pass (with the correct lens) with this process.

What Designs Can Be Laser Engraved?

Literally anything you want!

It can be artistic designs.

It can be logos.

It can be branding.

There is simply no limitation to what design you want to engrave through this process.

The sky is the limit, and you have as much room in this process to be as creative as you want!

How Deep Can The Engraving Be?

That is simply a matter of programming, which is covered in the training for this service.

Generally speaking though, you can go as deep, or as shallow as you need to, based on the program settings.

In aluminum wheels, hitting depths of 0.010in-0.020in (0.1778mm-0.254mm) is extremely easy to do, but if you need to go deeper than that, then making adjustments in your program to hit the target depthis all that would be required.

Is The Laser Engraving Permanent?

Yes, absolutely!

Whether you are making a basic surface mark, or etching for depth, the mark is permanent, and will not come off!

Is Painting/Finishing Wheels Required?

That ultimately depends on your customers and the market you are serving.

There are a lot of ways that you can choose to finish laser engraved wheels, but that is mostly being driven by the base material of the wheel itself.

For example, you might sell polished aluminum wheels, in which case some time in a polishing tumbler may be all that is needed, or perhaps just a clearcoat to preserve the engraved vs. polished aesthetic.

Or, maybe you are engraving mild steel, in which case some form of coating protection will absolutely be required to prevent rust.

Support

What Are General Support Services?

General Support is available for any Registered Workstation Owner who: 

  • Has a question about any topic that is covered in our training series
  • Run into a process or technical issue where advisement/remote support is required
  • Have a process idea or application you need tested
  • Requires remote troubleshooting assistance

General Support access is only available to Registered Equipment Owners.

What Are Technical Bulletins?

Technical Bulletins are technical documents that provide users with information and data that may affect the usage of their Workstations.

Subjects that may be covered under a Technical Bulletin include:

  • Process improvements
  • Technology improvements
  • Hardware improvements
  • Fixturing improvements

Technical Bulletin access is only available to Registered Workstation Owners.