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Lapointe SHM 4.5 x 1270mm Hydraulic Horizontal Broach
Lapointe SHM 4.5 x 1270mm Hydraulic Horizontal Broach

Model SHM
Serial Number W85011
Year 1985
Lapointe SHM 4.5 x 1270mm Hydraulic Horizontal Broach Model SHM Serial Number W85011 Year 1985 ...

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ES Precision invests in Femtosecond technology

Posted on 11 Sep 2024. Edited by: John Hunter. Read 585 times.
ES Precision invests in Femtosecond technologyFS laser being unloaded at ES Precision’s facility

Oxfordshire-based ES Precision, an award-winning laser processing specialist, has enhanced its capabilities with the addition of ultrashort pulse laser processing in the shape of a Rofin MPS flexible, a versatile and modular laser processing system designed for a wide range of applications.

ES Precision, which provide the best technological laser cutting, drilling and marking solutions for its customers has recently completed its seventh year in business and is increasing its laser plant list to nine industrial workstations with this latest purchase. These comprise the new FS (femtosecond) system, two fibre lasers, two vanadate, a frequency-tripled YAG and three CO2 (galvo, flatbed and reel-to-reel). All bar one of the systems operates by galvo beam steering and such a wide range of technologies means that virtually all materials can be marked, engraved, drilled and, in the case of sub-mm thicknesses, cut.

The femtosecond laser represents the latest technology to mature from the laboratory to industry and its unique capabilities stem from the extremely short duration of the pulses of energy it produces, resulting in brief peak power outputs of hundreds of megawatts. But what is really special about them is the remarkable speed at which such pulses interact with any material the pulse of energy encounters. This laser’s minimum pulse duration is 300fs or 300 x10 -15 s – a moment so unbelievably quick — even light only travels 90µm (roughly the diameter of a human hair) in that time.

One can envisage the interaction of such a pulse of energy rather like an ultra-high-speed camera flash: the intense, focused beam of light is absorbed by its target, which vaporises before adjacent molecules or atoms in a crystal lattice (in the case of metals) have a chance to move. This means that heat is not transmitted to adjacent areas through thermal conduction via molecular collisions or vibration and can result in largely thermal damage free micro-processing.

ES engineers are just beginning to determine the capabilities of the new laser in sub-contract processing of organics, metals, glass and ceramics. Trials are addressing fine processing of thin materials that require minimal heat-affected zones initially.

ES welcomes all enquiries from manufacturers who want to try out lasers for engraving, etching, drilling or cutting of components or sub-assemblies. Pre-production volumes through to millions of parts per year can be handled from the company’s facility.