New Technology Keeps Laserdyne Prima Machines In Focus

Laserdyne Prima's new Optical Focus Controlª (OFC) technology provides users with advantages in material processing and focal point set-up of laser systems. Through OFC, tracking of the laser's focal point is done automatically in a closed loop system with optical feedback. OFC resolves the challenge of processing non-metallic material, as it requires no grounding and can track any work-piece surface independent of material composition. This is particularly advantageous for industries where advanced material structures, such as ceramic-coated metals, are used.

Optical Focus Control operates independently from the nozzle standoff distance, shape or material composition. Indeed, a nozzle is not required, thereby removing limitations attributed to the side-sensing nozzle characteristics of capacitance-based systems. Nozzle independence allows incidence angles of up to 75, increasing the effectiveness of shallow angle laser drilling. OFC's patent pending technology also allows for more efficient processing of hard-to-reach, blind operations when working in the close proximity of nearby part features or fixtures. In addition to drilling, applications include mapping of uninterrupted surfaces.

OFC utilizes a semiconductor laser coaxially aligned with the YAG laser beam and focused by the same lens. With this configuration, the tracking laser focal position changes with the YAG focal position, controlling the YAG beam at the correct processing point. OFC also eliminates the need for setting a new focal position each time a lens is changed.

OFC technology is designed to augment, rather than replace, the Automatic Focus Control (AFC) technology currently used on Laserdyne Prima machines. AFC utilizes capacitance feedback to automatically control the nozzle standoff distance. Machine operators will have the ability to switch back and forth between OFC and AFC within part programs. This will allow the operator to capitalize on the advantages of each technology, bringing added safety, versatility and production efficiencies.

Laserdyne Prima was formed in April, 2001 through acquisition of the Laserdyne Division of GSI Lumonics by Prima U. S., Inc., the North American subsidiary of Prima Industrie S.p.A., Turin, Italy. Prima, achieving a 25% compound growth rate in Europe, selected Laserdyne to be their new headquarters in North America, taking advantage of their 20 years experience in engineering, manufacturing and supporting laser processing systems.

For more information contact:

      Tom Plunkett

      Laserdyne Prima, Inc.

      23399 Commerce Drive, Suite B-10

      Farmington Hills, MI 48335

      248-442-4994

      Fax: 248-442-7088

      E-mail: tplunkett@laserdyneprima.com