Case Study - CO2 vs Fiber

Laser marking on stainless steel with a CO2 laser is very timely and messy process. Due to the reflective nature of the metal surface and the operational wavelength, CO2 laser systems require a laser marking material (LMM,) to permanently mark the surface. The LMM is sprayed onto the surface and has to be allowed to dry before marking. The surface also has to be cleaned after marking. All of this work makes the alternative, Fiber Lasers, very appealing.

Fiber Laser Marking on Stainless Steel

Q-Switched Fiber Lasers are ideal for marking on stainless steel and other metals, as no LMM is needed.

For this application, Laser Photonics applications engineers used the FiberTower XP Compact system with a 20 Watt Q-Switched Fiber Laser equipped with a 160mm F-theta Lens. The stainless steel sample parts were marked at a depth of approximately .001, using the process of surface etching. The mark is etched by vaporizing the surface of the material at very high speeds, providing very minimal damage to the part. This is usually done when a quick mark is needed and cycle time is an issue. A surface etch gives a high contrasting mark and is ideal for marking on coatings without penetrating through, such as chrome, nickel, etc. Several marks were made by our engineers. The first mark was made in one pass to show optimum cycle time of 12.5 seconds, which is 5 inches per second. The goal of the application was to process the best quality samples while maintaining an acceptable cycle time.

For Other Applications - Browse Laser Photonics' Applications Database!

Try Before You Buy! Did you know Laser Photonics will process your samples according to your specifications for FREE? Simply send us several samples of your product with a complete description of your marking or cutting requirements. Your processed parts, together with a detailed applications report and equipment recommendations will be returned to you at no charge.

Thermark Marking Application

Laser Marking Application:

The parts were marked using a 20 watt q-switched ytterbium fiber laser with 160 mm focal length lens. The samples were sprayed with TherMark to create brightly contrasting marks. The parts were marked using approximately 18 watts of power, with a frequency of 80kHz, and at a speed of 4 inches per second. The resulting cycle time was 32.89 seconds.

Deep Laser Engraving of Aluminum

Laser Engraving Application:

Deep laser engraving of aluminum using a paint removal process. The powder coated red aluminum part was laser marked using the i-Series Fiber Laser Kit with a 254mm lens. The part was engraved with a frequency of 50 kHz. The fastest method to remove the paint was to mark each letter in the logo individually. Removing the paint going letter by letter gave the paint less time to cool of resulting in a much faster cycle time. The red part with 0.0045" coating needed 140 seconds to be removed.

How do you spell relief? F - I - B - E - R

If you’re looking for the most compact, advanced, affordable Fiber Laser Material Processing system for Direct Parts Marking (DPM) of alphanumeric, logos, serial numbers, part numbers, lot and date codes, schematics, graphics, UIDs (Unique Identifiers) or deep engraving – look no further. Laser Photonics has the answer to your challenge! The FiberTower™ Series.

The FiberTower™ Series is the new generation of Fiber Laser Material Processing Systems composed of six systems. Each of these laser systems possess a reliability that is unmatched by any other kind of solid state or gas laser systems. Wide selectivity of operating wavelengths, ultra-low amplitude noise, high stability and ultra-long pump diode lifetime complete an impressive list of advantages of these modern fiber laser systems.

The Fiber Tower™ Series is….Compact
The FiberTower™ Series Equipment is safe, compact, and service-free, designed to meet individual marking needs with the ability to mark a wide variety of materials using many different techniques including. It can be delivered as a stand-alone system that can be integrated into any production line or with full turnkey workstations.

The Fiber Tower™ Series is….Advanced
FiberTower™ series employs the new generation of solid state Ytterbium fiber laser systems of near infrared spectral range (1060-1080nm) with a unique combination of high peak power, ideal beam quality, fiber delivery and highest electro-optical wall-plug efficiency.

The Fiber Tower™ Series is…. Affordable
These cutting-edge systems can be integrated into any production line at a cost reduction of nearly 25% over traditional Fiber Laser Systems. Considering the cost reductions of no consumables and low power consumption, the FiberTower™ Series Laser Systems is now the most cost effective, eco-friendly and flexible apparatus in the Aerospace, Automotive, Medical, Defense, Semiconductor and other markets.

Notice the range on this series of products, reaching a multitude of industries covering various application needs. Not only can this series match 80% of all industrial applications but it will save any consumer money on operating cost and proves the most affordable system on the market.

Lasers are your Key to Security

Business crime is often seen as "victimless" because of the perception that all businesses are profitable and insured. Although crime statistics are not recorded separately for businesses, they are twice as likely to be the victims as individuals. For small businesses struggling to survive, crime can tip the balance from success to failure. When businesses fail, communities are deprived of goods and services. Without successful small businesses, efforts at regeneration will flounder and employment and investment opportunities will suffer. An effective strategy for tackling crime against businesses is essential if the economy is to flourish and communities prosper.

Property Marking: Taking simple precautions, like property marking, can help eliminate any invitation and opportunity for criminal activity. Marking your property not only makes it less attractive to thieves to steal it in the first place as they know that if they are caught in possession of it by the police, the police can quickly establish it as stolen property. In addition, the traceable property may be more difficult for them to “cash in” with another criminal or to a willing purchaser of the item. Of course, it also greatly enhances the chances of you being re-united with the item which is important too.

What you’ll need:
Laser Photonics feels anything employers can do to help prevent crime and ensure the safety of their employees is worthwhile. While Laser Photonics produces laser systems for thousands of uses, one use for the i-series Fiber Laser Marking Kit, in particular, is to use it to etch security codes on keys. In doing so, the keys can be tracked back not only to the company, but to the particular door it opens, the person the key was issued to, and numerous other crime stopping strategies can be employed.

Case Study: Brass keys were processed using a Pulsed fiber laser (1060nm wavelength, 1mJ @ 20kHz, 20W average)) through a 160mm F-theta Lens.
Mark #2 - 100 power, cycle 73.7 seconds, 5 passes.
Mark #3 - 100 power, cycle 80 seconds, 5 passes.

What can Laser Photonics do for you today?

You never forget your first laser...

Can you remember back in the days when you’d lose the radio stations signal when you passed under a bridge? What about having to get up and blow the dust off of the needle on the record player so it would stop skipping? Technology certainly has come a long way, and lasers are touching our lives every day in ways we may not even recognize. We tend to use things without thinking about them. Has it ever occurred to you that every time you listen to a CD or point with a laser pointer, you are holding the discovery of a Nobel Prize Laureate in Physics, in your hand? Well, if you haven't, you're not really alone.

Further advancements in technology lead to the invention of the MP3 files and the players used to access these files. From the first half of 1995 through the late 1990s, MP3 files began to spread on the Internet. MP3's popularity began to rise rapidly. The small size of the files allowed for widespread peer-to-peer file sharing of music ripped from compact discs, which would have previously been nearly impossible.

While the makers of MP3 players strive to make their products smaller, more technologically advanced, and more resistant to everyday wear and tear – users will still find that repairs are needed and more refurbished models are hitting the market. Many consumers, eager to get a great deal on an MP3 player will opt for a refurbished model.


Laser Photonics Case Study:
A customer contacted Laser Photonics with a need to mark their plastic MP3 players with the word "REFURB" to distinguish full-price direct market MP3 players from second market refurbished ones. The customer wanted to use a laser system to make a mark that was not very noticeable to the end user.

FREE Sample Processing
Once our technicians received the customers' plastic samples, they used a 20 watt Pulsed Fiber Laser to etch the word "REFURB" onto the samples. Using a 160mm focal length lens and 6 watts of power, the mark was complted in just one pass in 2.84 seconds. These samples were processed at no charge to the customer.


Laser Photonics Recommendation:

For processes like this, our applications engineers recommend the Fiber Tower Desktop which has a very small footprint and is compact in height. The light, compact Desktop can be carried by one person and is fully plug-and-play. Simply plug the compact system into any 110VAC outlet and you are in business producing high quality marks on production parts.

Fiber Tower Desktop Benefits

• Small size; designed for tight workspace conditions
• Industrial-grade extruded frames with rack mount components, very small footprint
  Scissor Jack (Manual Z-axis Adjustment)
• Lightweight design for use in virtually any environment (home, office, factory, shop, etc.)
• Equipped with a Q-Switched fiber laser (0.5mJ @ 10kHz, 0.5mJ @ 20kHz available)
  50,000 MTBF (Mean Time Before Failure)

Fighting Crime with Fiber Lasers

Developed specifically for law enforcement agencies, the .357 Magnum has been the back bone of police departments and military agencies throughout the world. Laser Photonics, a leader in fiber laser technology, has developed the systems to etch aluminum and stainless steel gun parts with such things as: UID markings, part numbers, company names and logos.

Without a doubt, police need help solving crimes. Using the technology developed by Laser Photonics, the crime-solving potential of UID markings, traceable part numbers and other identifying marks is enormous. Together with the efforts of law enforcement agencies, Laser Photonics is proud to provide an additional tool that police departments and military agencies around the world can certainly use.

In order to process aluminum and stainless steel gun parts, Laser Photonics utilizes the Fiber Tower Mega Center. The gun parts are processed using a pulsed fiber laser through a 160mm F-theta Lens. Setting the power at 98% for the aluminum marking and 100% for the stainless, both processes were run at a frequency of 20kHz, and a speed of 10 inches per second. Total time to complete the aluminum was 119 seconds in four passes. Total time to complete the stainless was 452 seconds in four passes.

Discover The Fiber Tower Megacenter
The FiberTower™ Megacenter is the largest standard laser marking system by Laser Photonics with oversized enclosure equipped with X-Y planar stepper. Operating as a standalone unit or a part of an inline system, the FiberTower Megacenter™ incorporates an air bearing direct drive planar stepper, Q-Switched Fiber Laser with Scan Head, Industrial PC Controller, Power Supply, Marking Software and a laser safety enclosure.

Fiber Tower Megacenter Benefits:

• Handles various flat and oversized parts
• Equipped with foot switch, light curtains, or dual switch buttons.
• Replaceable rotary attachment for circumferential marking
• Optional bar code scanner or CCD camera for quality verification
• Optional I/O for inline automation
• Optional side doors for long parts
• Exhaust outlet

Why Laser Photonics?
Laser Photonics is the industry leaders in developing high-tech Fiber and CO2 laser marking, cutting and engraving systems for a variety of industries, such as; aerospace, automotive, medical, solar and semiconductor to name a few. We exceed in manufacturing high quality, performance driven turnkey solutions for these and many other industries. Here at Laser Photonics, we understand your challenges and are constantly striving to enhance our relationships with our customers.

What can Laser Photonics do for you?

Try Before You Buy!
Did you know Laser Photonics will process your samples according to your specifications for FREE? Simply send us several samples of your product with a complete description of your marking or cutting requirements. Your processed parts, together with a detailed applications report and equipment recommendations will be returned to you at no charge.

Laser Photonics Announces New Solution for Label

The FiberTower XP equipped with an auto label feeder option

Lake Mary, FL., Laser Photonics, the industry leader in developing high-tech fiber and CO₂ laser systems for marking, cutting and engraving applications, received a contract from one of the most prominent aerospace LCD screen manufacturers. This highly sought after deal is the first for Laser Photonics and its newly developed auto label feeder option.
The Laser Photonics FiberTower XP equipped with an auto label feeder option was the chosen solution after a highly competitive and rigorous selection process. Laser Photonics’ experience with fiber and CO2 lasers, developing key solutions to meet manufacturers’ needs, and being a United States based company were major factors in the decision.

The solution features the FiberTower XP, the most advanced laser marking system in the industry. It provides the ability to operate as a standalone unit or as part of an in-line system, incorporates a 20 watt continuous wave laser, industrial PC controller, power supply, marking software, a laser safety enclosure and the auto label feeder option. The auto label feeder option can be removed and the system can be used for standard direct part marking.

Previous to the FiberTower XP with the auto label feeder option, marking UID data labels on Tesa tape involved manual labor. The labels were marked only after they were manually cut into four inch strips and then manually fed into the machine. The auto label feeder option on the FiberTower XP eliminates the need for any manual processing. To operate the FiberTower XP, a roll of labels is loaded, automatically indexed to the first marking area where the required mark is made. The labels perimeter is also cut using the laser, thus enabling an easy peel and stick application. The system repeats the indexing and marking until the job is complete.

Incorporating Tesa tape as the marking material enables for a durable, chemical and weather resistant marking application. Tesa labels can be marked elsewhere and then easily brought into the field to be applied to equipment, parts or, other items needing UID data labels, bar codes, part numbers, logos, serial codes, etc.

WATCH THE VIDEO NOW!

"We are very proud to be selected by one of the most demanding aerospace organizations in the world who requires the best implementation, integration and support services," said Todd Hockenberry, Laser Photonics’ executive vice president of sales and marketing. "This contract is evidence that Laser Photonics continues to be the vendor of choice for the laser projects that require unique expertise and high standards of service."

Laser Photonics Holds Open House and Offers Distributor Training

Distributors and Sales Agents from around the world to attend Laser Photonics Systems Training and Open House

Lake Mary, FL., December 8, 2008 - Laser Photonics, the industry leader in developing high-tech fiber and CO2 laser systems for marking, cutting and engraving applications, announced today its first Distributor and Sales Agent Training and Open House event scheduled for December 8th and 9th, 2009.

“As of today, Laser Photonics is represented in over ten countries including China, Mexico, Singapore, India and Turkey, said Todd Hockenberry, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Laser Photonics. “This training is a fantastic opportunity to bring our distributors together to meet, learn and brainstorm. The end result benefits our customers throughout the world.”

The two day training encompasses a range of modules from system training to sales tactics to marketing tips and hands on learning where each distributor will experience systems such as the Titan Series, Laser Photonics fiber laser cutting machine, first hand. Additionally, distributors and sales agents will have the opportunity to tour the 318,000 square foot facility and meet key contact personnel from Laser Photonics executive, engineering, sales and marketing departments.

FiberTower Networking Capabilities New 2009 Standard Feature

Control Numerous Laser Marking and Engraving Systems from One Computer

Lake Mary, FL., December 8, 2008 - Laser Photonics, the industry leader in developing high-tech fiber and CO2 laser systems for marking, cutting and engraving applications, announced today the latest networking capabilities available on the 2009 FiberTower™ Series Fiber Laser Marking and Engraving Systems. This new feature, available on all 2009 FiberTower™ systems, allows users of multiple machines to control all systems from one main hub.

“Having such streamlined control of all of your systems, saves time and money,” said Ryan Semmer, Laser Photonics’ product marketing manager. “This centralized control feature is available through an ethernet connection or wireless access and will be a standard feature on all 2009 FiberTower™ Series systems at no additional charge.”

About Laser Photonics: Developing laser marking, laser cutting and laser engraving systems for precision material processing industries, Laser Photonics is leading the way with innovative fiber laser and CO2 laser systems. Our laser machines are used by manufacturers in the automotive, aerospace, industrial, defense, electronic and medical industries around the world. For additional information on Laser Photonics Fiber and CO2 Laser Systems for marking, cutting and engraving applications, please contact a representative at 1-407-829-2613, or visit http://www.laserphotonics.com/.

Laser Photonics Unveils First Ever 10-Kilowatt Laser Cutting System

New Ten Kilowatt Fiber Laser System is the Highest Power Laser Cutting Machine Ever Made

Lake Mary, FL., December 8, 2008 - Laser Photonics, the industry leader in developing high-tech fiber and CO₂ laser systems for marking, cutting and engraving applications, unveiled today the Titan Series 10-Kilowatt Fiber Laser Cutting System, the highest power laser cutting system available on the market. Capable of cutting thicker metals at higher rates of speed and operating at a lower cost than other systems, the Titan Series 10-Kilowatt Fiber Laser System has a higher beam quality, is maintenance free with no optical system alignment, laser service or laser replacement parts needed and requires virtually no consumables.

“Laser Photonics is pleased to be the first company to offer the public this turn-key solution using the most powerful industrial laser cutting machine ever made,” said Ryan Semmer, Laser Photonics’ Industrial Product Marketing Manager. “We expect to deliver our first system in early 2009.”

About Laser Photonics:
Developing laser marking, laser cutting and laser engraving systems for precision material processing industries, Laser Photonics is leading the way with innovative fiber laser and CO2 laser systems. Our laser machines are used by manufacturers in the automotive, aerospace, industrial, defense, electronic and medical industries around the world. For additional information on Laser Photonics Fiber and CO2 Laser Systems for marking, cutting and engraving applications, please contact a representative at 1-407-829-2613, or visit http://www.laserphotonics.com/.

Lost Dog Finds Way Home Using Fiber Laser!

According to The Humane Society of the United States, there are approximately 74.8 million owned dogs in the United States. Of the dogs lost in the United States every year, only an estimated 10 percent ever find their homes again. One of the easiest ways to keep your pet safe is to ensure your pet wears identification tags at all times. Tags should include a local contact number, as well as a number for a friend or out-of-town relative. Proper identification tags are your pet's ticket home if he becomes lost.

Laser Photonics, a leader in fiber laser technology, has partnered with dog tag distributors in a nationwide effort to educate and empower pet owners everywhere to help keep your pets safe! Finding a faster, easier, less expensive way to produce dog tags for its customers, distributors are purchasing Laser Photonics’ cutting-edge Fiber Tower XP systems which can be integrated into any production line. These systems are safe, compact, and service-free, designed to meet individual marking needs with the ability to mark a wide variety of materials using many different techniques.

Using the Fiber Tower XP in this process, steel and aluminum dog tags were etched with a 20 Watt Q-switched Faber Laser with a 160mm lens. The samples were marked using a true type font and a laser engraving font. The power was set at 98%, a frequency of 20kHz, and a speed of 10 inches per second. Total time to complete was 51.8 seconds. Offering maintenance free operation, user friendly design and software, the Fiber Tower XP is ideal for these applications.

Considering the cost reductions of no consumables and low power consumption, the FiberTower™ Series Laser Systems is now the most cost effective, eco-friendly and flexible apparatus of Direct Parts Marking, UID, and Deep Engraving in the Aerospace, Automotive, and Medical, Defense, Semiconductor and other markets. Our Fiber Laser Systems are more easily integrated into industrial processes in comparison with conventional lasers.

FiberTower™ Series Laser equipment utilizes highest quality components from world renowned manufacturers and the best available software with modern exchange protocol, remote capabilities and dot.net support.

Fiber Tower XP Benefits:
· Small footprint
· Faster throughput
· Zero laser maintenance
· No cleaning printers or ink stamps
· No damage caused to material by stamps or dot peen
· Software allows for reading, handling and transferring data easily

Laser Photonics is the industry leaders in developing high-tech Fiber and CO2 laser marking, cutting and engraving systems for a variety of industries, such as; aerospace, automotive, medical, solar and semiconductor to name a few. We exceed in manufacturing high quality, performance driven turnkey solutions for these and many other industries. For additional information visit http://www.laserphotonics.com/ or call us direct at 407-829-2613

74,924 REasons to Upgrade your CO2 Laser to a Fiber Laser

When lasers were invented in 1960, they were called "a solution looking for a problem". Since then, they have become ubiquitous, finding utility in thousands of highly varied applications in every section of modern society, including consumer electronics, information technology, science, medicine, industry, law enforcement, entertainment, and the military.

Now with so many diverse industries using so many various applications, lasers have firmly rooted themselves as a necessary solution for new problems encountered. Today, end users have perhaps more choices than Einstein ever dreamed possible -- from laser types, to methods of processing, depths of cuts, marks and engravings, focal lens lengths, power settings, frequency, speed, number of passes and more.

Selecting the Right Laser System
Due to all the options available to end users, selecting the right laser for an application can be an arduous process and deciding to upgrade from a CO2 to a fiber laser system may bring even further challenges. Laser Photonics can help answer those tough questions and has provided our customers with a new tool to compare systems. Using the Cost Comparison Calculator found on the home page of http://www.laserphotonics.com/, customers can key in their location, the power of their CO2 laser and their typical daily use. The calculator will then reveal pertinent information such as: the tremendous cost savings, increased reliability, and enhanced beam quality and spot size of Laser Photonics Fiber Laser Systems. Users will quickly see what was once the top of the line CO2 laser system, and the best solution several years ago, now greatly pales in comparison to a new Laser Photonics Fiber Laser System.

SAMPLE COMPARISON
Let’s say your plant is in Florida and you currently are running a 1000w CO2 laser for 8 hours a day. Your electric power consumption with the CO2 laser is very high. Based on Florida’s average power cost of .1045 per kWh, that 8 hour daily shift, working 250 days per year, will cost you $7,942 in electric costs per year.

Then, consider your yearly maintenance of $45,000 and estimated assist gas consumables (6 l/h Nitrogen, 1 l/h Carbon Dioxide, 13 l/h Helium) at a cost of $11.67/h per year. That will add another $23,340 per year in costs.

Total cost to run your CO2 laser each year? A staggering $76,282.

Now, let’s take that same scenario, same run times and cost per hour figures and look at using a new Laser Photonics Fiber Laser System. The 1000W CO2 Laser System you’re currently using can be replaced with a 500W Fiber Laser System which has equal cutting quality and speed. With your new fiber laser, much less power is required for cutting reflective materials like aluminum or copper since more of the laser energy is absorbed by the substrate. This allows for intricate high-quality cutting at higher efficiencies than comparable laser cutting systems.

Your new fiber laser will have very low power consumption. Using the same sample data to compare -- your plant is based in Florida, running a 1000w Co2 laser, 8 hours a day for 250 days a year, the power costs will only be $1,359 per year. Remember, this is based on Florida’s average power cost of .0145 per kWh -- your states average power cost may be higher or lower.
Maintenance costs are easy to calculate for your new Laser Photonics Fiber Laser System -- $0. The fiber laser has no maintenance costs, no consumables and no cleaning of or alignment of mirrors for beam path is needed.

In the end, the yearly cost to run your new Laser Photonics Fiber Laser System? Just $1,359. That’s a savings of $74,924.

How can Laser Photonics help you?

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