Laser Cutting

FOBA Laser Marking + Engraving has further optimized the capability of its CO2-laser marking systems. In response to increasing demands for marking quality and speed, FOBA introduces 10- and 30-watt lasers that mark a broad range of materials with variable contents.

To meet the increasing utilization of superhard materials in production processes, notably aerospace, Agathon Machine Tools Inc. has introduced the Neo Roughing Laser for accelerated processing rates, and overall indexable insert production savings. The Neo has three mechanical axes and three optical axes for processing the periphery, clearance angles and chipbreakers.

The new 100-Watt fiber laser FOBA Y.1000 operates up to 40 percent faster than common 50-Watt lasers and allows for marking substrates that are usually difficult to mark with other models. It applies robust marks on heavy wear products to ensure abrasion-proof legibility.

Laser Research Optics has introduced a line of sapphire cover glass windows that have lower bulk absorption and about 30 times higher thermal conductivity than quartz protection glasses.

A line of drop-in field replacement CO2 laser lenses supplied in mounts for Trotec, Xenetech and Raytec lasers is being introduced by Laser Research Optics. Laser Research mounted CO2 laser optics for popular engraving and marking lasers are optimized for 10.6 microns where depth of field is critical and are available with focal lengths from 1" to 10" at 1/2" increments.

PI (Physik Instrumente) LP announces a new compact closed-loop motion controller. The new E-871.1A1N digital servo controller is the latest model in a series of drivers and controllers specifically designed for inertia-motor based opto-mechanical actuators (piezo ratchet drives) that are widely used in the semiconductor, laser and photonics industry for fine-tuning of complex systems.

Machine tool manufacturer and Industry 4.0 pioneer TRUMPF has opened a new technology center in Chicago that showcases the interaction between people, machines, storage technology, automation, software and Industry 4.0 solutions. The company calls it "the first smart factory for Industry 4.0 solutions that was designed for digitally connected production processes throughout."

Jenoptik offers JENOPTIK-VOTAN BIM, a laser robot system for 3D metalcutting of chassis components for the automotive industry. Compared to conventional machining methods, the noncontact laser process minimizes machining times by eliminating the setup time and also reduces the costs associated with tool wear.

MC Machinery's fiber laser offering has expanded to include another option in laser-cutting technology. The new SR-F series from Mitsubishi features a 3m by 1.5m footprint with many of the features and options that are popular in its eX-F laser.

BEA Lasers has announced the availability of its newly designed GPL line of lasers for use in light industrial applications. The GPL series laser diode module system is best suited for general-purpose, medium-duty applications.

An advanced optical cleaning kit is being offered for private labeling to manufacturers and distributors of lasers, cameras and other types of vision systems by Laser Research Optics.

Low-wattage lasers are faster, gentler and more eco-friendly than traditional parts-cleaning methods. So why aren't they more prevalent?