Product Finder - Laser Material Processing

Laser based applications in material processing put unique requirements on the motion systems. Today, high performance components and systems from PI are the best possible solution that can be obtained from the market. Every application can be supplied with a range of products that answer the specific need of the specific process and environment.

You make the decision which criteria are important for your application and this helps you to find your solution!

Product Finder - General Laser Applications

The requirements of laser applications vary with the type of process and whether it’s working as a 24/7 industrial machine or in a highly adaptable research lab. This page allows the user to select from a range of key requirements. This is for guidance only and PI recommends that if in doubt please contact your local PI office.

 

  • Environment
    Select “Debris concern” if the process may generate particulates that could damage mechanical components unless protected. If the user feels they have adequate extraction to protect stages select “No debris”
  • Travel Range
    Stages beyond 800 mm put additional requirements on the bearings, especially in XY configurations
  • Dynamics
     
    High velocity means high throughput. The requirement may be during the process or positioning
  • Feature Size
    The feature size determines the resolution requirements, which are typically higher by a factor of 10
  • Duty Cycle
    For high throughput industrial applications where the machine may be in a high or continuous demand, select > 50 %
  • Geometric Tolerances
    Deviation in the flatness of a positioning system directly affects the spot size control, whereas its straightness is critical to maintain straight paths
  • Contour Type
    Delicate Features or paths require multiple stage reversal, such as circles or arcs

Product Finder - Laser Welding

Laser welding requires that the laser raise the temperature of the material to be welded.

The laser beam must be absorbed by the material to induce a temperature rise. Therefore, speeds are typically acceptable with ballscrew based products. The L-4XX stages can be supplied as an XY stage pre-assembled.

In some applications with small focus spot sizes, the welds are sometimes too narrow to meet weld strength requirements and part fit-up tolerances. An additional fast XY axes can rapidly dither or "wobble" the laser perpendicular to the weld direction so the weld may be widened according to requirements.

Product Finder - Laser Cutting

Typical applications include 2D part processing, ceramic and diamond cutting. Stages need to be able to protect internal parts. This means to prevent fine debris from entering by the use of optional air purges, for example.