Machine Tools – Non-Traditional

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

OMAX says the GlobalMAX line brings value-priced abrasive waterjets to the global market. The new GlobalMAX line is available exclusively through international distribution and incorporates two and a half decades of waterjet industry R&D.

A new range of Thulium-doped fiber optic components from Coherent | Nufern enables construction of fiber lasers and oscillators operating at ~ 2 µm with higher output power than was previously possible. Specifically, advances in Thulium doping technology deliver significantly improved pumping efficiency, yielding higher power output (>1 kW) for gain fibers.

PhotoMachining, Inc. and LightFab GmbH announced a collaborative effort to promote selective laser etching using femtosecond lasers in the U.S. market.

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.

Amada Miyachi America Inc. announces the availability of the LMF70-HP, an addition to its popular LMF series of lasers. The 70-watt LMF70-HP is suitable for welding small components and thin metals up to 0.01-inch (0.25 mm) thick. It is particularly well-suited for welding battery tabs to cans (two thin sheets of metal), but can also weld thin wires (thermocouples, guide wires). In addition to welding, the unit is capable of engraving, deep engraving and cutting metal, plastic welding and general-purpose high-speed marking.