Vytek F/X CO2 laser engraving system.

At digital imaging and sign printing trade shows the laser engravers that tend to be exhibited are from Epilog Laser, Universal Lasers and sometimes Trotec. At SGIA 2006 for the first time I noticed Vytek and their FX laser cutting and laser engraving systems. The quality and diversity of the resulting engraved materials was notable.

Vytek laser engraver, at Art Expo Atlanta 2005.

But I know GCC LaserPro better since I have spent several days in the world headquarters of GCC in Taipai, Taiwan. Plus I know the GCC UV-cured flatbed inkjet printers, such as the StellarJET 183UV.

Since the background of FLAAR is with fine art photography and fine art giclee the larger size of the Vytek laser appeals to me. And since my prior background is with archaeology, especially 4th-9th century stone sculpture of Maya and related pre-Columbian civilizations of Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras, I am all the more interested in a large sized laser engraving system that can work on stone (or on tiles).

VyTek machines come in three series: L-Star Series laser etching system such as the LST610, the FX cutting and engraving system, and the FX2 (41 x 48”).

Since the Vytek is rather large I naturally have more experience on the smaller CO2 laser engravers. In 2006 the FLAAR test lab had a Universal M-300 and a Trotec Speedy 300. This Trotec is 50% more powerful than the Universal, and slightly larger. However the Universal CO2 laser engraver worked more precisely than the Trotec (but this was because the Trotec that was loaned for evaluation was a used model that had seemingly been bounced around too many trade shows before it arrived at our university for testing).

Vytek F/X laser engraving system.

Printing examples of Vytek laser engraver.

Most recently updated March 9, 2009.
First posted Oct 9, 2006.

Available by october 2008 Available by octuber 2008 Available by october 2008 Available by october 2008 Available by october 2008

Nicholas Hellmuth’s Medium Format Digital Camera Initiative For over 40 years Nicholas Hellmuth has used Rolleiflex and Hasselblad cameras to record the flora, fauna, and archaeology of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. Now for several years he is extending his medium format experience to digital photography. Since FLAAR works both in a studio as well as out on location, we are an ideal focus for judging portability. We have experience with large format digital scan backs (the excellent BetterLight) and we also use Nikon and Canon digital cameras. A full-service digital pro should have at least one medium format digital system and should consider large format digital options as well. Although we started with a Leaf Valeo 22 coupled with a Mamiya 645 AFD body and lenses, we are open to showcasing all bodies as well as other digital backs. Indeed we have tested an Imacon 4-shot back on a Hasselblad H1 body. Then (February 2006 onwards) we are evaluated a MegaVision black-and-white dedicated back for fine art photography. Next we are testing a 33-megapixel Phase One P 30. Since 2008 FLAAR has used a Phase One P25+ (a great way to update an aging Hasselblad ELX body with its excellent Zeiss lenses). Camera resellers or manufacturers who wish to have their cameras, lenses, and backs included in this initiative are welcome to send their equipment for evaluation. FLAAR is the de facto source of information because we have been university based, independent, blunt, and we are one of the few review sources that dares to review advertising specs, advertising claims, and advertising hype. We can afford to reveal all the pros and cons because FLAAR is a research institute. Photographers feel they can trust a university research professor who has devoted years to understanding the pros and cons of each aspect of a digital camera system and workflow. Notice you are not blinded by blinking, flashing, or pesty ads for low-bid camera stores on a FLAAR photography review. I am always amused by a pseudo-review that obviously is simply paid to send you to a camera store. You can download our colorful FLAAR Reports on our medium format digital camera initiative.