We tested some free samples from Gemini.
First, let me just say that these were free samples from the good people at Gemini. You can get up to 4 samples and they ship them free.
How did it go?
We were pretty happy to get the samples to try out, we picked the Laser XT Red/White, Brushed Stainless/Black, Black/White, & Safety Yellow/Black (which is not a Laser XT sample).
We started with the Laser XT Red/White sample and after a couple of adjustments and taking off the protective plastic, we are really happy with the results. Without taking off the protective film, you get a burnt layer that really doesn't want to come off. However, the letters are crisp and it does not take much power to get through the red layer (100W laser: 15% power, 300 mm/s two-way). As yo can see below the result is quite nice.
Next we tried the Laser XT Black/White sample using the same settings we used on the red/white, but just didn't get the finish we were looking for. The black would settle on the white surface and pretty much stay there. It wasn't until washing it that the engraving started to look somewhat white again.
We moved on to the Brushed Stainless/Black sample, but choose to leave the protective film on part of it to see if it would behave differently, this is why the sample has a line down just off center. We liked the end surface of the side that did not have the protective film better, the side with the film has a raised edge to the engraved area. This might be removable, but we didn't want to scratch the surface. We also washed this sample with water after engraving, which we think is a good process.
What do we think?
We think that the Duets Laser XT product from Gemini is a good product, & we will certainly use them for our future needs. A bit more clean up that we would want, but nothing that is out of normal for a product of this type.
So, stop by their web site and get your 4 free samples, but choose wisely if you are going to use a laser.