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Laser Cutting

AVIA Family of Lasers

Coherent Inc. has expanded its AVIA family of lasers with new models having green output and which reportedly offer an unmatched combination of power, reliability and compact size for a range of precision materials processing applications. The new AVIA NX products are q-switched, diode-pumped, solid-state lasers that deliver up to 65W of average power at 532 nm from a laser head that measures less than two feet (587 mm) in length.

Coherent to acquire industrial laser maker Rofin-Sinar

Laser technology company Coherent Inc. will acquire industrial laser maker Rofin-Sinar Technologies Inc. for about $942 million, according to a joint news release issued by the two companies March 16. "This transaction is aligned with our strategy of increasing our scale and pursuing accretive growth opportunities," said Coherent President and CEO John Ambroseo. "The combination of Coherent and Rofin represents a unique opportunity to strengthen Coherent’s position in materials processing. The addition of Rofin's complementary portfolio will build on Coherent’s capabilities as a world leader in laser and photonics-based technology and solutions, and create meaningful value for our stockholders."

Garnet laser platform

Electro Scientific Industries Inc. (ESI), Shanghai, China, recently introduced the Garnet adaptable laser micromachining platform for high-volume cutting, marking, drilling or engraving applications, according to a Feb. 16 company news release. The Garnet platform is said to compliment ESI’s current micromachining portfolio delivering lower cost of ownership—specifically to meet the need for larger format materials among manufacturers in China.

Laser marks the spot

Adam J. Wayne, a sales/engineering representative with Laser Marking Technologies, takes a few minutes to chat with Cutting Tool Engineering during the EASTEC show this spring. Laser Marking Technologies, which has more than 30 years of combined experience in the laser marking arena, offers complete turn-key systems for permanent marking on carbide, HSS, Stainless, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, glass, crystal, man-made rock, wood and laser-friendly plastics.

Visotek joins Laser Mechanisms

Laser Mechanisms Inc., Novi, Mich., announced Monday that it has acquired Livonia, Mich.-based Visotek, a provider of Smart Laser Tools™ that are said to simplify the use of lasers in any environment. The acquisition is expected to complement Laser Mechanisms' core business of providing industry-leading laser beam delivery solutions.

Y-Series ytterbium fiber lasers

FOBA Laser Marking + Engraving’s Y-Series ytterbium fiber lasers are for marking parts made of metal, plastic and other materials. A scan head vision system for in-process imaging combines validation and verification prior to and directly after laser marking. The system’s modular platform consists of nine compact, flexible, fiber marking lasers that offers a range of power from 2w to 50w and pulse widths from 1.5 to 200 nanoseconds.

Garr Tool uses Beamer Laser Marking Systems machines

Garr Tool Co., a toolmaker in Alma, Mich., has purchased six laser-marking machines from Beamer Laser Marking Systems since 2008. Four of the machines are automated, except for an operator setting up the format. The other two are manual systems for small-quantity production runs and blueprint specials. Garr Tool, which laser marks more than 2 million solid-carbide endmills a year, uses fiber diode-pump laser marking machines from Beamer.

How lasers work

A video tutorial on lasers from Ronald D. Schaeffer, Ph.D., the chief executive officer of PhotoMachining Inc. Schaeffer provides the history and future of laser technology and its importance in micromanufacturing.