Collimation Module

SCANLAB GmbH offers a new collimation module to reportedly close a market gap for reliable connection of fiber-coupled lasers. This industrial-strength fiber coupler helps transform scan heads into a system to be easily integrated in laser processing machines. When combined with disk or fiber lasers (particularly lasers of higher power classes up to 5 kW), cost-efficient welding and cutting applications can be realized – e.g. in auto manufacturing and metal processing.

Productivity, quality and cost requirements compel enterprises across all industrial sectors to continually examine and optimize their fabrication processes. In some cases, a carefully conceived system approach can achieve considerable cost reductions. SCANLAB's collimation module transforms its larger-aperture scan systems – typically 30 mm – into flexible, combinable 2D scan solutions for welding and cutting processes. Compared to an integrated 3-axis system, fiber-laser-based processing systems are substantially lower in cost.

The module's industrial suitability is underscored by a robust fiber-coupler housing with water-cooled stainless steel entrance aperture, as well as a replaceable window protecting the collimation optic. Additionally, the collimation optic is manually adjustable for precisely setting the focal position to the working distance, and thus fully exploiting the benefits of scan head calibration. The collimation module can be optionally expanded via a camera adapter for process control and workpiece position detection.