Robert's Laser Engraving Journey: Empowering Future Generations

Turning Passion into Purpose

Laser technology education has long played an important role in Robert's life.

I've always called myself a self-taught engineer— not because I knew everything, but because I never stopped learning. Illness eventually pushed me into retirement, but it never took away my desire to teach. For more than a decade, I dedicated myself to passing on practical skills to young people.

Because of the nature of my work and additional hands-on activities, I stayed in constant contact with teenagers as well as older generations.

This is how I noticed a growing gap: young people were no longer developing skills because older generations lacked the time or patience to teach, explain, or guide them.

So I began collaborating with schools and teachers who invited me to conduct workshops, creative camps, and technique demonstrations. I always had to bring my own materials, depending on the theme and purpose.

The impact of this guidance is simple yet profound:
when someone thanks you for your patience, tells you "Because of you, this laser stayed in our home," or offers a small gift, you realize you've changed someone's path—even if only for a moment, even if only by inspiring kindness.

Robert conducting a laser engraving workshop for students

Why Laser Education Matters

Laser education is essential, yet still inaccessible for many young students, especially those from low-income families. By showing them that laser engraving exists not only online but in real life—letting them touch it, see results, and understand its career potential—we give them hope and help shape their future career options.

School workshops equipped with full laser systems (safety enclosures, smoke filters, ventilation) could help two generations of students:
older students who learn to use the machines and produce educational materials, and younger students who benefit from these materials to develop practical and intellectual skills.

While browsing online, I found software companies offering free or discounted programs for students. But I rarely see equipment manufacturers offering special pricing for schools, youth clubs, or children's associations—or donating equipment. It is as if long-term vision is missing.

When a child becomes passionate about working with lasers, they will eventually want their own laser machine or will seek a job in a company using such technology. Whether as a hobby or career, they never forget the brand where they took their first steps. Eventually, they will want the same laser that started their journey.

Facing Challenges — and Turning Them Into Solutions

Laser engraving naturally comes with technical challenges, but I embraced every one. I performed hundreds of tests, explored countless methods, and shared simplified solutions online to help both beginners and experienced users.

I disassembled each new model, studied every detail, and provided valuable feedback to the laser community.

Growing Together with iKier

The need for laser engraving technology isn't limited to young people. Older people also need it—whether to earn extra income, pursue a hobby, or stay engaged with meaningful work.

I like to travel. Different cities, different countries, different tourist destinations. And everywhere I go, I look for souvenirs. But too often, I see the same products sold in shop after shop. It's obvious they come from the same big manufacturers, distributed to retailers in bulk.

No one seems to be showing these people that if they created their own products—unique pieces, different from the rest, personalized for each customer—they could very quickly recover the investment in a machine, gain independence from middlemen, and earn far more.

With a simple gesture, with a precise advice, a business can grow rapidly. And anyone can learn to use a laser. It is not plug and play, but with determination and effort, by studying the tips in the program help and from previous posts in the group, one can reach technical independence. There were people who, starting from zero knowledge, in three months became specialists in a certain activity and had a business on their feet. You do not have to learn everything from scratch. Initially you can choose a certain activity -> to cut products or engrave on a certain material. But if you reach perfection with that technique you already have a source of constant income.

This is exactly where iKier's philosophy resonates with me:
smart creation empowers everyone to express themselves in a personal, meaningful way. With the right tools, anyone—young or old—can turn imagination into something tangible, something uniquely theirs.

Personalized creation doesn't just make beautiful objects — it changes lives.

Personalized laser engraved souvenirs created with iKier laser engravers

A Lifelong Mission: Teaching Skills, Building Futures

I have been passionate about technology since I was little. I sought to continuously learn, experiment and implement any idea that came to me or that I saw elsewhere.

Even though my passion was great, the resources were small, the books and magazines were few and no one had the patience to explain more complex things to me. Until the day when, while on vacation, one of my uncles told me to get a notebook and follow him. And, while he was working on his projects, he gave me my first introduction to electronics. The basic start-up, but it was enough.

This led me later in life.

I considered that this could be a permanent mission for me. If you want to take care of the future, then you have to educate the present!

The Birth of iKier — and Robert's Contribution

I witnessed the creation of iKier. I was asked what features a laser machine should have, how it should be designed, and what characteristics would make it truly viable. The team told me: "We want a laser that is technically superior to the current ones." And they achieved it.

The design engineers followed the requirements, implemented innovations, and made some necessary compromises to keep the laser affordable. Some "weak links" remain, but I hope they will be improved in future models.

Building a Supportive Laser Community

When I was looking for my first guidance in working with lasers, there was no one to give it to me. In the iKier user group I decided that I could share my knowledge from my own experience, to offer advice, to newcomers. Almost daily I read every post, I tried to help. But the strength of a group lies not in the number of members but in the ability to communicate between them. That is why I asked those who were helped to help in turn, as much as they can. Not only technical advice but also individual experience, settings and working methods. I believed that this increases the value of the group and better and faster results are achieved when everyone tries to help.

And the solutions began to appear. Technical improvements, 3D prints, various videos with practical guidance. Each one trying to help using their own skills. Friendships were formed, impressions were exchanged, challenges were launched, projects were shared. No harsh words, no hatred or reproaches, no arguments.

And this mattered. Users who came from other groups, from other lasers, who wanted iKier precisely because they saw that there was always someone who would answer their questions as quickly as possible and receive solutions in case of need. All in collaboration with the technical service in more serious cases.

Robert's Advice for Beginners

And related to this adventure-> no matter if you are small or big, young or old, girl or boy, you should not be afraid to test, to experiment. Whatever project you have, do some tests on the material first. Do not be afraid to get to know your laser, to learn it, to see how the relationship between power, speed and number of passes can be used effectively. Permanently write down everything you do! And at the end of the day, look at what you have achieved, draw the necessary conclusions and check that your equipment does not require maintenance! If you will take care of the equipment, the equipment will also take care of you.

And do not play with the protection of your eyes first of all, of your lungs, of the machines and of the entire workshop. Do not leave the laser unattended even for a second, and keep the fire extinguisher as close as possible to you! You can do unprecedented things, you can be successful in a business or hobby only if you are healthy and disciplined.

Final Thoughts: "Burn Everything!"

Robert's journey shows that technology alone doesn't change the world—people do.
With passion, knowledge, and a willingness to share, a iKier laser engraver can become:

A teaching tool

A business opportunity

A gateway to creativity

A path to a better future

His story is more than inspiration—it is a roadmap for anyone who wants to learn, teach, or grow with laser engraving and laser technology.

iKier laser engraver in school - a tool for education and creativity