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APA Members at Roundtable Discussion

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  • 1.  Rotary engraving machines

    Posted 12-23-2025 12:23

    Hey All, We are thinking of replacing our current rotary engraving system and I was wondering what recommendations you have. We currently have a Gravograph IS400 that is more than 20 years old. We also have a Xenetech flat bed rotary with the Viper system and always concerned as to when it will die on us and of course the whole issue of tech support. Would love to hear what is used and what you would buy again or not buy again. 

    Thank you all and Merry Christmas,

    Debbie Scott



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    Debbie Scott
    Dean's Trophies & T-Shirts Inc
    Belton MO
    816.331.0996
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    Netsoft Studio


  • 2.  RE: Rotary engraving machines

    Posted 12-24-2025 09:58

    I would recommend a Vision machine. They are reliable and they have a great support team.



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    Ron Jacoby
    Trophy Connection
    New Philadelphia OH
    330.364.8152
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    Netsoft Studio


  • 3.  RE: Rotary engraving machines

    Posted 12-26-2025 07:39

    Debbie - we were in your shoes - with a number of Gravograph machines that were all very long in the tooth.  We have purchased 2 Vision machines so far and we are in the process of changing everything over from Gravostyle to their software.  Very happy with the service and support that we have received to date.  Hoping to really dig into this in 2026.  

    Give me a call if you want to come over to Washington, MO and have a look see.



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    Rick Hodges
    Image Award Ribbons
    Portsmouth RI
    401.682.2000
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    Netsoft Studio


  • 4.  RE: Rotary engraving machines

    Posted 12-27-2025 12:32
    Edited by David Takes 12-27-2025 12:32

    I've got a New Hermes/Gravotech IS400 Volume.  It's over 25 years old and continues to operate very well.  These machines are built very well, as you've likely discovered with your IS400.  I continue to use the rotary feature regularly, so that is an addition that adds to my bottom line.  If I had to do it all over again, I would stick with the same machine, not because it's all I know but because of its versatility and the experience I've had with it.



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    David Takes
    Expressions Engraved
    Saint Joseph, MO
    816.232.6000
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    Netsoft Studio


  • 5.  RE: Rotary engraving machines

    Posted 12-28-2025 09:23
    Edited by David Cassens 12-28-2025 09:23

    I have an IS400 that is 24 years old, an IS6000 that is 23 years old, and an IS400 Volume that is 20 years old.

    Still running, we did upgrade a few years back to the latest Gravograph software. We were still running them on XP computers; now they are running W10 computers, and we will visit upgrading them to W11 computers in the next few months to match all of our other computers.

    Twenty years equals somewhere about 4500-5000+ days of running - Never had any significant problems.

    So what's the question again? 🤔



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    David Cassens CRS
    Arista Trophies & Awards
    Bergenfield NJ
    201.665.0448
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    Netsoft Studio