Quality Inspection: Don’t Skip This Step

Pre-shipment inspection (PSI) is the single most important thing you can do to protect your investment. Here’s what it should cover:

Visual Inspection

• Enclosure finish quality (no sharp edges, consistent paint/weld quality)
• Label accuracy (laser source brand and model matches the order)
• Component branding verification (galvo scanner, laser source, power supply)
• Cable management and internal wiring quality

Functional Testing

• Laser power output test (use a laser power meter — don’t trust the software reading alone)
• Marking quality test on your specified materials
• Marking precision test (measure actual mark positions vs. design coordinates)
• Software functionality verification (EZCad operates correctly, files load properly)
• Safety system test (interlocks function, emergency stop works, warning lights operate)

Burn-In Testing

• Run the machine continuously for 4+ hours at normal operating parameters
• Monitor for overheating, power drift, or software crashes
• Verify that the cooling system maintains temperature under sustained load

Who Performs the Inspection?

• Best option: Hire a third-party inspection company (SGS, TUV, Bureau Veritas) — costs $200–$400 per inspection but provides an objective report
• Good option: Visit the factory yourself if you’re buying high-value equipment or establishing a supply relationship
• Acceptable option: Video call inspection where the supplier demonstrates the machine live on camera
• Bad option: No inspection — trusting the supplier’s word that “everything is tested”