Laser Cutting

Products • June 27, 2017

MOPA Fiber Laser Source

Trotec is offering the MOPA fiber laser source as an option for its SpeedMarker galvo laser marking systems. MOPA technology opens up a new world of possibilities for marking metals and plastics because it allows the user to select pulse durations (between 4 and 200 ns), which provides a much wider range of laser parameters, more options for creating high-contrast, homogeneous markings, and the ability to mark colors on some metals.

Products • June 27, 2017

Fiber to Fiber Coupler

A new Fiber to Fiber Coupler (FFC) from Coherent (formerly Optoskand AB) enables the use of replaceable, process fiber optic cables so that integral components of the fiber laser – most notably the feeding fiber – are not exposed to opto-mechanical damage, even in harsh industrial processes. Damage to the feeding fiber means long and often costly down time. But the new FFC enables the use of a separate fiber interface, and this separate delivery fiber can be exchanged in minutes in the case of damage.

Products • June 27, 2017

RQB Fiber Optic Cables

Coherent (formerly Optoskand AB) has introduced RQB Fiber Optic Cables – new air-cooled, beam delivery, fiber optic cables with a standard QBH interface, for use with fiber lasers operating at CW power levels up to 1.5 kW (and pulsed lasers as high as 1 MW). This makes these new cables an attractive option for cost sensitive applications level, and also enhances system simplicity when utilized with air-cooled fiber lasers.

Products • June 27, 2017

AVIA LX 355-20 Q-switched, Diode-pumped Solid-state Laser

Coherent says the AVIA LX 355-20 is an economical new q-switched, diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) laser offering substantially longer operating lifetime than competitive products at similar power levels. The AVIA LX 355-20 delivers 20 W (at 50 kHz repetition rate) at 355 nm, a diffraction limited (M² <1.3) beam, and an expected lifetime of 20,000 hours.

Products • June 19, 2017

HighLight FL10000 Diode Laser

A new 10 kW fiber laser from Coherent is a part of the HighLight product family. HighLight products are high-power fiber, direct diode and fiber-coupled diode lasers that combine innovation and reliability into solutions for industrial materials processing applications.

News • June 16, 2017 • Michael C. Anderson

Jenoptik opens new North America technology campus

On June 15, officials from the Jenoptik board of directors, the city of Rochester Hills, Mich., Oakland County and the state of Michigan, gathered at the company's new facility in Rochester Hills to mark the grand opening. The building covers 100,000 sq. ft. on a 16-acre campus. Half of that acreage will be devoted to the production of laser cutting systems and automated gaging solutions for the automotive industry in North America.

Products • June 13, 2017

excelliSHIFT z-scanner

SCANLAB GmbH is introducing its high-dynamics excelliSHIFT z-scanner to the marketplace. Unlike conventional z-axes, the underlying patented concept fully eliminates use of transmissive elements.

Products • June 12, 2017

LMWS Pulsed Fiber Laser Welding System

Amada Miyachi America Inc. announces the availability of the updated LMWS pulsed fiber laser welding system, a highly configurable, compact unit designed for lean manufacturing. The system features a versatile high-power, high-speed laser, available in 20- to 70-watt (W) powers for welding metals and plastics.

Articles • June 1, 2017 • Alan Richter

Colson Group reshores manufacturing

Colson Group USA, a manufacturer of casters, wheels and other mobility products, continues to make significant investments to its production and distribution operations while reshoring some manufacturing.

Articles • May 23, 2017 • William Leventon

Micromachining: A light touch

A growing number of manufacturers in the medical industry are seeing the light when choosing a machining option for micro parts and features. The light they're seeing emanates from laser micromachining systems.

Products • April 20, 2017

LIA Guide to High Power Laser Cutting

Laser Institute of America (LIA), the professional society for laser applications and safety, announces its release of the LIA Guide to High Power Laser Cutting. In the guide, students, engineers and scientists alike will gain a more in-depth understanding of the science behind laser cutting. Written by a team of specialists led by industry experts Dr. John Powell and Dr. Dirk Petring, this 136-page guide is a comprehensive resource that touches on all features of laser cutting machines and materials.

Articles • March 22, 2017 • Holly B. Martin

Chicago-based innovation center to stoke manufacturing

On March 2, mHUB, a physical-product innovation center and microfactory, celebrated its official grand opening in Chicago. The center is designed to galvanize the area's manufacturing ecosystem by generating innovative ideas, attracting world-class talent and fostering collaboration.