Each summer, tens of thousands of laptops arrive at our facility, more or less at once. Every unit needs to be imaged, labeled, and etched before day one. That last step—laser etching—is now a game-changer for how we deliver services to districts.
This fall, HowToRobot profiled a major upgrade to our etching line that speeds things up dramatically—and we’re excited about what it means for districts. The article, published on October 22, 2025, walks through how we found a solution that’s up to 10× faster than conventional systems.
THE CHALLENGE
At peak, etching alone could take up to two minutes per device. Even with nearly a dozen etchers running, we’d sometimes add shifts to deliver before school starts. It worked, but scaling that model isn’t simple.
THE BREAKTHROUGH
Partnering with HowToRobot’s automation specialists opened new doors. After evaluating options, one supplier proposed a high-speed hybrid laser system (Keyence MD-X) that marks a device in about ten seconds—not minutes. That’s where the 10× speed jump comes from.
What’s different? The hybrid approach combines fiber and YVO₄ methods for fast, precise marks with minimal heat transfer. It’s built for throughput and for automation down the line.
WHAT IT MEANS FOR OUR DISTRICTS
- Faster turnarounds. More devices move through etching in less time, which shortens overall repair and deployment timelines.
- Consistency at scale. The new platform is designed for a phased path to full automation with robotic handling and conveyors—reducing manual touches and improving repeatability.
- Fewer spare devices stranded. When etching stops being the bottleneck, repaired units return to students sooner, keeping spares from becoming permanent replacements. (That’s been a common pain point we hear from IT.)
- Capacity without the chaos. As demand spikes, this system frees several operators per line and reduces reliance on seasonal hiring.
Why this approach
We didn’t just add “more of the same.” Through HowToRobot’s process—scoping the need, comparing proposals side-by-side, and engaging vetted suppliers—we found an answer we didn’t know existed.
WHAT'S NEXT
The high-speed etcher is the first step. Next phases add automated label application and conveyor moves between stations. The goal: an end-to-end line that keeps pace with real-world school timelines while delivering clean, durable marks at volume.
At Lexicon Tech Solutions, our job is simple: keep working technology in students’ hands. Innovations like this help us do that—practically, reliably, and at scale. If you’re planning for the next refresh, mid-year repair surge, or ongoing ADP or flat-rate repairs, let’s talk about timelines, throughput, and how we can right-size a plan for your district.