Laser ablation offers precise, repeatable depth control for removing a layer of material from a surface, without the use of chemicals or other consumables. Novanta Precision Manufacturing’s industrial laser ablation systems are digitally controlled and can be used for a range of applications from surface texturing to micro-machining.
✔ Extreme precision solutions
✔ Highly versatile
✔ Repeatable, high-quality results
✔ Cutting-edge technology
Laser ablation is a highly precise process that utilizes lasers to remove a layer of material in order to uncover another layer, or to create a design or engraving. Laser ablation is a non-contact process that minimizes thermal damage to the surrounding material, supporting cost and productivity efficiencies. Laser ablation applications don’t require chemicals or other consumables, keeping waste to a minimum and supporting sustainability.
Digitally controlled laser ablation systems are designed to be highly repeatable for extreme precision and consistency, and can be used by a variety of industries, including:
Laser ablation removes precise amounts of material to cause a change in texture, expose underlying surfaces or materials, remove contaminants, or remove excess material. This non-contact laser processing method can be performed on 3D molded parts, as well as delicate materials like foams or coated glass fibers, without warping or damaging the material.
Industrial laser ablation uses laser beam technology to remove a layer of material from a surface via thermal ablation or vaporization. The surface material absorbs this highly concentrated laser energy, which results in rapid heating to evaporate the material to remove the desired layer or design.
Laser ablation systems can use CO2 lasers or ultrafast lasers, depending on the specific application. Scan heads or polygons may also be used to deliver the laser beam precisely and at high speed, especially when multiple passes are required to achieve the desired ablation depth.
Novanta Precision Manufacturing has over 35 years’ experience in providing precision laser components and sub-systems to clients around the world. Our laser ablation systems are developed using cutting-edge, market-leading technologies to power tomorrow’s industries and support our customers’ continued innovation.
Laser ablation can be used across multiple applications, including:
The benefits of industrial laser ablation include:
ablation is used to remove specific layers of material or contaminants using precise laser technology. This enables the creation of highly intricate patterns on micron-sized areas, without causing damage to the surrounding material
industrial laser ablation systems are designed to operate at high speed, resulting in faster processing and production times
laser ablation is highly repeatable and can be automated, supporting consistency and efficiency. This can improve productivity levels, while reducing waste
our laser ablation systems can be used to process a wide variety of materials, including metals, plastics, ceramics, and composites, across a range of sectors
the laser does not come into contact with the material during ablation. Laser beam steering systems and control software is used to steer the beam; this requires minimal manual intervention, further protecting the surface material and enhancing the technique’s precision
laser ablation is a more sustainable processing technique than other methods, as there are no chemicals involved, and precision systems are engineered to minimize waste
by improving efficiency and reducing waste in manufacturing processes, laser ablation can also help organizations to save costs
Ablation is often used in laser marking and coding. Precision laser ablation can be used to create intricate marks and codes on components or packaging, such as:
More About Laser Marking & Coding
Industrial laser ablation is a common engraving technique that can be used to etch intricate designs into the surface of a variety of multi-layer materials, including extremely delicate and even slightly contoured surfaces. Use laser ablation to engrave marks, codes, patterns, and other detailed designs. Discover Laser Engraving Solutions
Laser ablation is just one example of precision processing. Ablation can be used alongside other precision processes, including:
Laser cutting Laser drilling Laser engraving Laser marking Explore Precision Laser Processing Solutions
Micro-ablation is a micro-machining technique that uses precision lasers to create intricate micro features on small components, such as batteries and medical devices. Digitally controlled laser ablation enables an extremely high level of precision on a micro scale – something that simply isn’t possible with other processing methods. Learn More About Micro-Machining
