Our partner, COMNET, interviewed Mr. Yosuke Ito, President and CEO of KNAZ Co., Ltd., who installed the GCC LaserPro Mercury III (60W) laser engraving machine. He shared with us the reasons for introducing the laser machine, its applications, and the positive aspects of its implementation.
Company: KNAZ Co., Ltd
Major Business Items: Complete exterior construction, stone sundries, processing, sales, and installation
Location: Aichi Prefecture, Japan
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GCC Products: GCC LaserPro laser engraver Mercury III 60W CO2 Laser Engraver
What issues did you have before introducing the laser engraving machine?
Our company specializes in outdoor landscaping (exterior construction), including blockwork, concrete work, carports, sheds, wooden decks, and landscaping. During our operations, we pondered, "Are there any new ways to utilize leftover materials?" and "Can we do something innovative with stone materials?"
"Stone is durable, semi-permanent over time, and becomes tasteful as it ages..."
This point of view has led us to launch our own brand "ISHECOLLE®" as a new business, focusing mainly on stone. Our customers are invited to freely design tiles, bricks, and concrete used in outdoor construction, allowing us to assist in creating memorable souvenirs and merchandise.
Laser-engraved tiles and block stones in the store.
What are the reasons and main considerations for introducing the laser machine?
When considering equipment suitable for processing stone materials, we encountered GCC LaserPro laser machines represented by COMNET. During our initial inquiry, we were impressed by its ability to process stone without any issues and by how easy it was to handle the software and machine operation!
GCC LaserPro offers a wide range of laser engraver sizes, and after careful consideration, we opted to introduce the Mercury III model into our new office due to its perfect size. The comprehensive after-sales support provided by COMNET was also a crucial factor in our decision to adopt this machine.
Laser engraving of large stones for gardening and outdoors
What results follow laser machine installation?
"ISHECOLLE®" has only been in operation for 2 months, yet we have generated sales of approximately 1.5 million yen. Our goal is to achieve annual sales of 10 million yen.
Moreover, we have been able to leverage the diversity of exterior design more effectively. Each exterior design is unique, especially in the realm of custom-built homes where identical designs are virtually nonexistent. However, it is a fact that many products, concrete, and materials are often duplicated.
Therefore, we now offer our customers a truly one-of-a-kind service, utilizing laser engraving to add personal touches, such as logos or house names for individual entrepreneurs, handprints or footprints for families with children, and silhouettes or pawprints for pet owners. This allows us to stand out among duplicated materials and provide our customers with unparalleled originality.
Laser engraving of stone with children's drawings, letters, growth records, and other free designs
Original brand ISHECOLLE® & laser engraving
We noticed a significant demand during exterior construction for including "family names, special dates, or a single word like 'welcome' in concrete," which led us to discover further possibilities in exterior design diversity.
As a result, we started offering custom-made goods, souvenirs, and merchandise carved with customers' preferred designs or drawings on natural stones, tiles, bricks, and concrete used in exterior construction.
Additionally, we conduct craft experiences and workshops in-store, and customers can also order original merchandise from ISHECOLLE online shop.
Laser engrave your favorite illustrations or messages onto the tiles and sell them as coasters or displays.
Welcome boards with carved tiles and exterior materials, workshops as craft experience
Design kits that allow customers to purchase products designed by the customer, even when ordering from the online store.
What are your future prospects for the laser business?
First and foremost, we aim to raise awareness among various individuals and share the joy of "creating from design."
Stone materials offer versatility and can be used in various settings depending on ideas and combinations. Even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we can create without physical contact and produce products that many people can enjoy. We look forward to crafting items that bring joy to many.
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Introduced laser engraving machine:
Mercury III 12-60W CO2 Laser Engraver
The economical workhorse model for CO2 laser engraving allows user to fulfill all kinds of applications.
Specification| Working Area | 635 x 458 mm (25 x 18 in.) |
| Z-axis | 165 mm (6.5 in.) |
| Wattage | 12W~60W |
| Max. Working Speed | 42 IPS |
We are happy to answer your questions about any laser products and processing. If you want to learn and do more with GCC LaserPro lasers, we invite you to see our laser engraving and cutting applications videos where you will find out how they physically work and are done.
Further reading:
➤Exploring the Versatility of Laser Engraving: Capabilities and Materials
➤Discover the Power of Laser Engraving
➤Materials Compatible for Laser Engraving, Cutting & Marking
