Technifor (www.technifor.co.uk), a division of the Gravotech Group, has introduced its TF450 — a machine with a 50W fibre laser that can mark parts twice as fast as the previous 30W version.

Moreover, the fibre laser source means that the unit offers the benefits of a very long working life, consistent marking quality, minimised integration costs and reduced maintenance.

Thanks to its 50W power, the TF450 beam vaporises material, creating a completely unalterable marking; it also offers new opportunities for deeper engravings, especially in harder materials such as metals.

This is a particularly useful feature when producing markings that must remain legible after applying a coat of paint or surface treatment — such as those on automotive engine blocks and automotive chassis.

Furthermore, the machine has even been tested and approved for cutting thin metal sheets up to 3mm thick. For these applications, users can use the manufacturer’s LaserStyle software to produce complex tool-paths.

This additional cutting capability sees Technifor venturing into the micro-precision machining markets, which includes watch-making.