Laser Cutting Machines

Recently acquired by Mitsubishi Electric Corp., ASTES4, a company based in Switzerland, specializes in the development of automated sorting solutions for sheet metal laser processing machines. ASTES4 has developed LASORTING – the first fully integrated system for the cutting, sorting and storage of sheet metal to streamline processes, speed up production and reduce labor costs.

The first offering in Coherent's new ExactSeries of fine materials processing equipment, ExactCut micromachining systems combine intelligence, integration and interconnectivity for precision cutting of metals, alloys, sapphire, polycrystalline diamond (PCD) and ceramics. To significantly reduce integration and qualification time, ExactCut ships with preprogrammed process parameters for the desired application.

Hexagon's Manufacturing Intelligence division launched its first blue laser scanning sensor for creating point clouds. The HP-L-5.8 joins Hexagon's comprehensive range of tactile and non-contact sensors for CMMs and is for companies that need a versatile, affordable, fixed-line laser sensor.

Shops that need a highly efficient digital solution to surface texturing for product design and moldmaking will gain new levels of design quality and productivity with the new AgieCharmilles LASER S series from GF Machining Solutions. This all-in-one texturing solution applies designs to challenging surfaces while it controls cost per part, cuts lead and machining times and significantly improves quality.

A line of OEM compatible replacement CO2 laser optics that come in several configurations for cutting and etching metal, plastic or wood signs is available from Laser Research Optics.

The new HighLight SQD option for Coherent HighLight fiber lasers provides cutting and welding systems integrators with a turnkey, simple to use and cost effective means to implement process monitoring. The HighLight SQD comprises process sensors integrated directly into Coherent's special fiber laser connectors which detect back reflected laser power and visible spectrum process emissions.

BEA Lasers introduces two new additions to its MIL Series of Laser Diode Modules for alignment applications. Both new MIL RA Alignment Modules feature a low-profile 3/8" rugged laser housing, fitted with a M12 connector. A PVC jacketed cable 2 meters long, integrated power supply and optional mounting bracket complete this sturdy ready-to-use system.

SCANLAB GmbH adds even more materials-processing power control capabilities to XL SCAN, the combined solution for simultaneously controlling scan heads and XY stages. For specialized industrial ultrashort pulse (USP) lasers, these new features and algorithms offer control capabilities such as: constant pulse intervals, deflection-angle-dependent energy densities or controlled laser power settings.

Electro Scientific Industries Inc. announced the availability of its Geode laser-based micro-via drilling system for high-density interconnects (HDI) on rigid printed circuit boards (PCB). This new entry combines a CO2 laser and advanced beam control capabilities to deliver industry-leading throughput and accuracy from a system that is significantly smaller and lighter than current competitive offerings.

BEA Lasers introduces a new complete Alignment Laser System with variable laser light output. These new laser systems with variable output are ideal for short distances. The dimming feature provides greater flexibility when aligning objects against different backgrounds, such as dark, light, chrome or other shiny surfaces.

Posalux SA has introduced a newly designed machine for electronics fabrication that employs SCANLAB GmbH's highly integrated precSYS 5-axis scan subsystem. The Swiss manufacturer's laser processing system is specifically tailored to demands of micromachining and is also usable for processing such challenging materials as polymers and ceramics.

BEA Lasers has announced the availability of its new Eagle Eye Sensors. A single package contains both a through-beam photoelectric laser source (emitter) and a receiver, providing a similar function as a proximity sensor, but with enhanced benefits.