Laser processing is a growing technique used in manufacturing machines, offering advantages that other processes simply cannot match. More and more machine builders are turning to laser-based technology to help solve complex application-based challenges due to its flexibility in functionality, answering challenges from micro areas to large-field processing jobs. Precise laser sources, coupled with high-performing laser beam delivery systems yield application-specific results for each machine builder’s unique challenges.
Switching from one application to another, or from one tolerance level to another enables laser processing systems to be more versatile, and appeal to a wider audience of users. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and laser system architects seeking added flexibility from their 2-axis laser scan head for small area (> 200 x 200 mm) laser processing can now find their solution at Novanta.
Laser processing systems are highly flexible and efficient for a wide range of applications. The key to getting the system up and running fast and easily is heavily dependent on the system controls and user interface. Mixing and matching laser system controllers and UI software can present a plethora of compatibility and integration issues that cause build delays and frustration for operators.
ScanMaster Designer (SMD) and ScanMaster Controller (SMC) are designed and configured for optimal operation of Novanta laser processing sub-systems and components. Novanta SMD and SMC have unique features and capabilities designed specifically to meet the specialized needs of our customers.
Driving excellence through our engineering capabilities is just one of the many ways Novanta brings value to customers. Our application labs are equipped with the latest technology, resources and expertise needed to tackle customer’s toughest challenges. Conveniently located throughout the globe, our laboratories feature testing services that validate and ensure quality results in a range of applications like marking and coding, converting, high-power welding, remote cutting, micro-drilling, and many more specialized material processing applications. With our state-of-the-art global application laboratories, Novanta brings value to customers through engineer-to-engineer collaboration and enables us to deliver customized solutions equipped for system success.
Innovations Center of Excellence | Wackersdorf Application Lab
Bedford Application Lab
Novanta offers a broad range of diode pumped solid state green lasers specifically engineered for specialized spectroscopy and particle detection applications used in semiconductor manufacturing. Designed for easy integration into OEM instrumentation, our Laser Quantum brand DPSS lasers feature compact form factors, exceptional power stability, and high wall plug efficiency, delivering distinct benefits in thermal management and eliminate the complexities of liquid cooling and the associated costs.
CO2 lasers are widely employed in various applications, including marking & coding, cutting, drilling & perforating and ablation, as well as industries ranging from converting to 3D Printing, where high speed and accurate manipulation of the laser beam is crucial. The laser source is usually selected for its pulse performance, optical output power, and wavelength, while the scan head is selected for its field & spot size, speed, and accuracy specifications. Thus, while each component is chosen for its individual performance characteristics, achieving optimal performance from the combined system presents a unique challenge for machine builders and laser integrators.
This paper delves into the intricacies of integrating CO2 lasers and galvo scan heads to achieve complementary performance.
Over the last thirty years, ultrafast laser development has continued to generate interest and activity. Researchers and system designers developed multiple techniques to generate ultrashort laser pulses over the years. Accessibility to ultrafast lasers enabled investigations into a broad range of physical, chemical, and biological phenomena using ultrafast optical spectroscopy. Additionally, investigations of the practical applications of ultrafast laser technology progressed.
Ultrafast lasers can also be useful for requirements in the automotive industry. This includes the structuring of small grooves into the surface of the cylinder wall of a combustion engine. This ensures a thorough distribution of lubricant along the piston wall to minimize friction loss.
When designing a new laser application with beam deflection units, most engineers will choose the optical design (mirror size, coatings, mirror material) with great care. This makes sense as the effective focal length, spot size and the power handling the system are all crucial. However, choosing the right galvanometer technology is just as important for the overall achievable performance of the application.
In this white paper, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of analog galvanometers and servo units and, in particular, hybrid solutions using digital servo technology with analog galvanometers. Influences of the respective technology on achievable speeds, accuracies and integration hurdles are examined.
Lasers emit light either continuously or in a train of pulses. Under the heading of ultrafast lasers falls a certain group of lasers that produce picosecond, femtosecond or even nanosecond pulse durations at different repetition frequencies. Within this group, femtosecond lasers emit optical pulses with a pulse duration in the domain of femtoseconds (1 fs = 10-15 s) typically ranging between a few femtoseconds to hundreds of femtoseconds.
This blog explains femtosecond lasers and their usage.
