As per The Zebra, there are 470 million pet dogs worldwide, with 33.3% of households owning pets. This market has significantly grown over the years, particularly among Gen Z and millennials who are not just pet lovers but enthusiasts willing to invest in their furry friends.
Dog Tag is one of those accessories that every owner wants for their pet’s safety. These small metal pieces carry essential information like the pet’s name and owner's contact details. In the unfortunate event that a pet gets lost, a dog tag can be the key to a happy reunion.
For designing customized dog tags, laser engraving is one of the best options. If you’re in the pet accessories business and want to add a dog tag category, investing in the right dog tag engraving machine is essential.
Want to buy one? This article helps in the selection of the right dog tag engraver by listing down some key features you need to look for. Plus, we'll introduce the best engraving machines for dog tags.
In This Article
- Military Dog Tags vs Personalized Dog Tags
- Why Choose A Laser Engraver for Dog Tag Engraving?
- Best Materials for Laser-Engraved Dog Tags
- Best Pet Tag Engraving Machines
- Features to Look for In A Dog Tag Engraving Machine
- Conclusion
Military Dog Tags vs Personalized Dog Tags
Military dog tags have a rich history. They started in the army, used by soldiers in world wars. Their main job was to identify soldiers who got hurt or didn't make it in battle. These tags were metallic (stainless steel or brass), and made to withstand hard.
They are still issued today. Generally, each soldier gets two dog tags. One for the upper body, hung around the neck as a chain and the other for the lower body, tucked in the shoes. They have a very standard size (2 x 1.025 inches) and contain information like name, DOD ID, Religion, and Blood Group.
Personalized dog tags take this idea and add a twist. They are a fashionable way to keep tabs on our furry friends. If your pet ever gets lost, these tags help people know who they belong to. Unlike military tags, there's no one standard size. You can pick different sizes and materials. You might engrave your pet’s name, your phone number, or even put a cute picture on the back.
Why Choose A Laser Engraver for Dog Tag Engraving?
For making dog tags, there are several methods like stamping, etching, and embossing. But, laser engraving is considered the best option for customizing these tags. Here’s why:
- Unmatched Precision: Laser engravers are champions of detail. They can create intricate designs and tiny text with razor-sharp accuracy. This precision is crucial for legible and attractive tags.
- Speed and Efficiency: Time is a valuable resource. Laser engravers work at an impressive speed, up to 4000mm/s. So, engraving the tag would take just a couple of minutes.
- Versatility: With a laser engraver, you're not limited to one type of material. Whether it is stainless steel, brass, or aluminum, laser engravers handle them all with ease.
- Quality of Engraving: Engravings done by lasers are not only visually appealing but also durable. They resist fading and wear so the information on the tag remains clear over time.
- Customization Options: Laser engraving offers limitless customization. From names and phone numbers to unique pictures and fonts, you’ve multiple options.
- Ease of Use: Modern laser engravers come with user-friendly laser control software. Most of these can operated from the comfort of your phone or tablet. Plus, with some basic tutorials, it’s easy to operate them.
- Cost-Effective: Though the initial investment might be higher, laser engravers are cost-effective in the long run. This is because you don’t have to worry about wearing of tool bits over time. Also, the maintenance is very minimal.
Best Materials for Laser-Engraved Dog Tags
Generally, metals are the first preference as they have a shiny appearance and are durable. Moreover, they can be easily laser engraved. Some metals used for dog tag engraving are:
- Stainless Steel: It is a popular choice, that is both affordable and durable. Stainless steel tags withstand active lifestyles and are resistant to corrosion, even if your dog loves swimming. Moreover, their scratch-resistant nature ensures long-lasting legibility.
- Brass: Brass tags add luxury. These tags are aesthetically pleasing and age gracefully. However, they are not ideal for water-loving dogs; prolonged moisture exposure tarnishes brass.
- Aluminum: For puppies, aluminum tags are an excellent lightweight option. They are not as sturdy as stainless steel, but they are still a viable choice. To achieve different colors, anodized aluminum (coated) is often preferred.
- Titanium: For those seeking a high-end option, titanium is the way to go. It is exceptionally resistant to wear and tear, does not rust or corrode, and engraves beautifully, making it a premium choice for pet tags.
Best Pet Tag Engraving Machines
Looking for the best pet tag engraving machine? Now, is the time to unveil the two popular options: xTool F1 and xTool S1.
xTool F1: The Quick & Portable Dog Tag Engraver
xTool F1 is the quickest portable laser engraver available for dog tag engraving. It is a compact handheld machine that weighs just 4.6 kg. A machine you could carry around for on-sport engravings at craft fairs or similar events.
Thanks to the industrial Galvo technology, F1 can engrave as fast as 4000 mm/s. So, engraving a dog tag becomes a task of mere seconds; a feat usually expected from larger industrial lasers.
The xTool F1 doesn't just stop at being fast and portable. It features dual laser modules in one unit – a 10W diode (459nm) for common materials and a 2W IR (1064nm) laser specifically for metal engraving.
In terms of engraving area, the F1 offers a 115 x 115 mm square space, which can be slightly expanded with an extension kit. This space is more than adequate for dog tags and similar small items.
Safety is a key feature of the xTool F1. It comes with an enclosed laser filtering system to contain the laser and fumes, along with a built-in fan and air purifier to quickly eliminate any smoke or odor. This makes it a safe option for both home and professional environments.
The machine also offers a blue light preview, showing you exactly how the engraving will look on the dog tag before you start. The focus adjusts automatically based on the material thickness, but for those who prefer a more hands-on approach, there's a manual focus knob as well.
xTool S1: The Most Powerful Diode Laser Engraver
xTool S1 is the most powerful diode laser engraver on the market. Its top variant packs 40W power, using eight 5.5W diode lasers internally. A 20W variant is also available. Both of these models come with a dedicated 2W IR module (sold separately), which is best suited for metal engraving of dog tags. The machine offers a top engraving speed of 600 mm/s.
Size and capacity are significant advantages of the xTool S1. It offers a substantial working area of 498 x 319 mm, ideal for batch engraving multiple dog tags simultaneously. You can mark multiple processing areas and engrave them without the need for jigs.
xTool S1's pinpoint positioning system is another standout feature. You can select the processing area by simply marking points on the material with the laser head. This system is versatile enough to accommodate various shapes and sizes, from circular objects with three points to rectangular ones with two, and even ultra-tiny items like toothpicks. For more complex shapes, you can mark multiple points to create a polygon.
S1 is a class 1 laser product equipped with an extensive array of safety features. It has 5-directional fire detection sensors, an emergency stop button, and most importantly, a laser filtering lid on the top.
In terms of software, the xTool S1 is compatible with both Lightburn and xTool’s own XCS. The user interface is friendly and intuitive. Usually, people get the hang of it after just a couple of uses.
Features to Look for In A Dog Tag Engraving Machine
A dog tag engraving machine might seem simple, but there are multiple features you should consider before making a purchase:
Material Compatibility
Choose a machine that can engrave metals, as dog tags are typically metallic. Diode lasers (IR ones) are an ideal, cost-effective option for small-scale operations. Fiber lasers could work too, but they are costly and primarily industrial uses. CO2 laser won’t work here as their beams are reflected by metals.
Machine Size
Considering the standard dog tag size, a compact machine is sufficient. You can go with a desktop laser engraver or a portable laser engraver, such as the xTool F1. It saves space and is easier to manage.
Laser Power
The power of the laser determines the efficiency and quality of engraving. For engraving metallic dog tags, a laser power ranging from 5W to 20W is optimal. If you get a dedicated IR module, even at low power, then that’s even better.
Batch Engraving Capability
If you're starting a business and expect multiple orders, go for a machine with batch engraving. This feature allows you to engrave multiple tags simultaneously, significantly increasing productivity.
Ease of Use and Software Compatibility
Look for a machine with user-friendly software. A machine with easy-to-navigate buttons and compatibility with popular design software like Lightburn.
Safety Features
Safety should never be an afterthought. Opt for enclosed machines with built-in safety features like fire alert, laser filtering lid, emergency stop button, and automated lid-open shut down.
Customer Support and Warranty
Consider the manufacturer’s customer support and warranty offerings. Good support is invaluable for troubleshooting and ensuring your machine stays operational for a longer time.
Conclusion
The pet industry is expanding rapidly, and there's no better time than now to start a pet accessories business. For customizing accessories like dog tags, a laser engraver is the best tool.
If you’re interested in dog tag engraving, check out the xTool collection of raw stainless steel dog tags. We offer them in different shapes; you can customize and sell them as per customer needs.
For more questions. Please join our Facebook group to get inspired!
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