MOPA Fiber Laser - 1064 nm
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Everything you need to know about MOPA fiber lasers for laser marking: Their typical features and key advantages. Insights into the structure and main components. Different laser marking methods with a MOPA fiber laser and typical materials. Important criteria for choosing a laser source for system integration. Our most popular MOPA lasers and selection criteria for suitable scan heads. A compact overview of matching beam expanders and F-Theta lenses for professional laser marking and laser engraving at 1064 nm.
Features and Advantages of MOPA Fiber Lasers
MOPA stands for "Master Oscillator, Power Amplifier" and refers to the multi-stage operating principle of pulsed fiber lasers that combine a master oscillator and one or more power amplifiers. The modern and advanced design, based on the MOPA principle, offers many practical and useful advantages over traditional pulsed fiber lasers.
key FeatureS
An outstanding key feature of modern MOPA lasers is their variably adjustable pulse width.
Thanks to the MOPA design, the process parameters of the laser can be tuned very precisely to the process and material and can even be adjusted with maximum dynamics during the process. By specifically setting the pulse width, different pulse shapes and pulse peak powers can be realized depending on the chosen pulse frequency.
Strong reaction even at high pulse frequencies
By setting shorter pulse widths with increasing pulse frequencies, a MOPA laser enables precise and efficient material processing even at high process speeds.
Fiber lasers with the same output power, without a MOPA structure and variable pulse widths, quickly become a bottleneck when processing materials with high pulse frequencies at high speed. Their pulse peak power quickly falls below the reaction threshold of the material to be processed as the pulse frequency increases. This means that a sufficient reaction can no longer be generated.
Comparison of the pulse peak power of MOPA lasers with adjustable pulse width and fiber lasers without MOPA structure. At low and high pulse frequencies.
Higher pulse frequencies are required for high process speeds.
By increasing the pulse frequency, the power per pulse is automatically reduced, lowering the peak power of the conventional Gaussian Q-Switch laser pulse with fix pulse width. It minimizes the impact on the material and limits the process speed.
With MOPA fiber lasers, the pulse width can be adjusted. By setting shorter pulses, it is possible to maintain effective pulse peak power for efficient laser marking and engraving even at high frequencies and process speeds.
An outstanding advantage of MOPA fiber lasers is their high pulse energy combined with impressive pulse peak power.
The power amplifier in the MOPA laser design enables additional charging of the laser beam, resulting in higher pulse energies and peak powers compared to typical Q-Switch fiber lasers.
High pulse energy and peak power is particularly advantageous for demanding applications or materials.
MOPA fiber lasers offer high stability and dynamics. Even if the laser parameters are adjusted during the marking process.
With precise control over pulse parameters and high-quality components, they deliver remarkable performance and consistent marking results.
Due to their low maintenance requirements and particularly long service life, they are extremely popular in many industries.
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the Advantages of MOPA Fiber Lasers
MOPA fiber laser offer the possibility of adjusting pulse widths to different materials and application requirements. Adapting the pulse width allows to control the pulse peak power in order to generate various useful pulse shapes.
Reducing pulse width enables effective pulse peak powers even at high frequencies and process speeds, facilitating high-contrast markings. This capability to boost marking speed surpasses traditional Q-switched fiber lasers, making MOPA fiber lasers the preferred choice for industrial material marking in recent years.
The minimization of material damage during marking, coupled with enhanced marking speed enabled by the MOPA tailored flexibility in laser parameter adjustments, alongside its low maintenance requirements and robust durability, position our MOPA fiber lasers as an exceptionally cost-effective solution for cost-efficient industrial product marking.
MOPA fiber lasers are ideal for processing a wide range of materials, including various types of stainless steel. The ability to fine-tune pulse parameters such as pulse width and pulse peak power enables precise adjustment to the specific requirements of the material and marking method. They are available in various power classes between 20 and 1000 watts and offer remarkably high pulse energies and pulse peak powers for efficient processing even of hard materials.
Thanks to the adjustable pulse width and particularly fast reaction to changes in the process parameters, even demanding markings can be done with extreme resistance to wear and tear as well as brilliant precision and visibility.
Modern MOPA lasers are ideal for various industrial laser marking processes.
With a finely focused MOPA laser, even the smallest details and texts can be precisely marked. The high reaction speed of the laser sources enables rapid changes to process parameters such as laser power, pulse frequency or pulse width, even live in the process. Blurry and uneven markings are a problem of the past.
The particularly precise control and stability of our MOPA lasers allow the parameters to be precisely adjusted to the material at hand. This not only speeds up the marking process, but also prevents damage to the workpiece and negative effects on the material properties. Waste can be reduced.
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Typical structure of MOPA fiber lasers
The most important components in the structure of a MOPA fiber laser are described below.
Active fiber
A fiber laser works with an active optical fiber as a solid-state amplification medium, which is similar to the optical fibers used in telecommunications.
In the active fiber, doped with ytterbium, laser radiation is generated and amplified via external stimulation.
By rolling up the active fiber inside the laser, fiber lasers can be built very compact, compared to other solid-state laser types.
Pump-diodes
Special pump diodes are used to stimulate the active fiber.
These semiconductor diodes convert electrical energy into optical energy, excite the fiber and generate and amplify the laser radiation within the active fiber.
MOPA fiber lasers have several pump circuits with pump diodes for initial stimulation and subsequent amplification of the laser radiation.
passive fiber
Pulsed fiber lasers often use a passive glass fiber outside the laser housing for beam delivery. Variable lengths and stable cladding enable flexible positioning of the laser beam without the use of deflection mirrors.
The diameter of the fiber core limits the passive fiber's power tolerance and has a strong effect on the beam quality and focus-ability of the laser.
Collimator
The collimator is an optical subassembly that uses lenses to shape the laser beam, emitted from the passive fiber, into a parallel, non-diverging beam.
Precise collimation is the key to high beam quality and, as a result, fine focusing of the laser beam.
In addition, the collimator enables factory adjustment of the beam diameter to optimize it for customer or process requirements.
isolator
An isolator is an optical component at the beam output of the fiber laser. It protects the laser by preventing potentially damaging back reflections into the fiber system.
It allows laser radiation to pass in one direction, but blocks back reflections from outside. This minimizes the risk of damage to the fiber.
control
The internal control of a fiber laser source includes aspects such as controlling the pump diodes, switching the laser beam on and off, controlling the laser power, pulse frequency, pulse width and much more.
The control interface of the laser enables communication with an external control card and the associated laser software in order to set laser parameters for processing and to adjust the laser to the other components of the system.
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Methods of laser marking with a MOPA fiber laser
Pulsed MOPA fiber lasers offer a wide range of possibilities for industrial material marking.
Here are some common marking methods that can be realized with our MOPA fiber lasers.
Engraving
By precisely removing material layer by layer, a focussed MOPA laser beam can create precise and deep engravings on various surfaces. From small microscopic to extensive and deep engravings
This enables the permanent marking of metals, plastics and many other materials.
Laser Engraving: Advantages, challenges and useful tips from our laboratory
Annealing
A MOPA fiber laser can be used for heat-induced marking of metallic materials. The surface is selectively heated, resulting in a color change.
Depending on the parameters set and the heat precisely generated in the material, different colors or a deep black marking can be created.
Laser Annealing Marking: Advantages, challenges and useful tips from our laboratory
Color Change
MOPA fiber lasers offer the possibility of fine-tuning laser parameters to produce a controlled color change in certain materials.
By precisely adjusting the pulse energy and pulse widths, the MOPA fiber laser can activate the chemical components of the material and cause a clearly visible, permanent color change.
The process is widely used for marking plastic.
Hologram
MOPA fibers laser can be used to create holographic markings on a number of metallic materials.
Precise control of the laser parameters produces fine structures and optical effects that create an impressive holographic appearance of the marking.
Laser Holographic Marking: Advantages, challenges and useful tips from our laboratory
Polishing
In polishing marking, surfaces are gently remodeled with a MOPA laser and thus selectively marked.
This marking method enables the creation of glossy markings on metals and other materials.
Laser Polishing Marking: Advantages, challenges and useful tips from our laboratory
Foaming
Foam effects can be created on certain materials using a MOPA fiber laser.
Controlled foaming of the material creates permanent, highly visible and tactile markings.
The process is widely used for marking plastic.
Ablation
Ablation marking is a process in which the coating material on an underlying carrier material is removed by vaporization in order to create a color contrast between the coating and the base material.
Laser Ablation Marking: Advantages, challenges and useful tips from our laboratory
Typical materials for marking with a MOPA fiber Laser
Our state-of-the-art MOPA fiber lasers are used worldwide to mark a broad range of materials efficiently, permanently and precisely.
MOPA fiber lasers can produce a wide range of high-contrast and permanent markings on stainless steel using various marking methods. Reproducible annealing colors or black markings can be produced with precise control of the pulse parameters.
Pulsed MOPA fiber lasers allow high-contrast black marking of aluminum thanks to adjustable pulse widths and high pulse frequencies. They also offer high pulse energies and peak pulse powers for efficient engraving of aluminum at high speed and with maximum precision. Polishing marking with the MOPA laser is also possible on aluminum.
With amazing control over pulse parameters, MOPA lasers offer versatility in producing an extensive array of enduring markings on titanium through diverse marking techniques. Such as the creation of annealing colors, black marking, engraving or even polish marking.
Copper poses challenges for laser marking due to its high thermal conductivity and strong reflection of laser radiation. However, MOPA fiber lasers enable durable marking through various methods, thanks to their high pulse energies and significant peak powers, coupled with excellent beam quality.
Typical methods of laser marking on plastic include color change marking or foam marking with the MOPA fiber laser. Due to their unique flexibility, they can minimize or locally promote melting and foaming as needed. They allow for precise and controlled marking of various plastic materials.
With the ability to remove micron-thin layers or induce color change, MOPA fiber lasers facilitate precise marking on foils and labels. Installed in a laser marking system, they can apply detailed information such as barcodes, serial numbers, or company logos with accuracy.
Ceramic surfaces can be engraved and marked with a laser.
High-quality and long-lasting marking is achieved through precise control of pulse parameters and excellent beam quality for fine focussing and high power density on the workpiece.
Stone surfaces can be laser engraved and marked with the highest precision and repeatability.
Superior beam quality and flexible adjustability of pulse parameters guarantee marking of high quality on stone.
Laser selection criteria
When choosing the perfect MOPA laser for system integration, laser marking and laser engraving, various performance criteria are decisive. These are the most important ones.
The output power of a laser refers to the amount of laser power it can emit. In general, a higher output power enables faster marking or engraving processes, resulting in higher productivity. This means that lasers with higher output power can complete tasks faster compared to those with lower output power. In addition, higher output power can also enable the processing of denser and harder materials, expanding the range of applications for the laser system.
Our portfolio includes MOPA fiber lasers with output powers of up to 1000 watts.
The pulse frequency range indicates how often the laser can emit pulses per second. In most cases, higher pulse frequencies enable faster processing and therefore greater throughput and efficiency in many laser applications. With MOPA lasers, the desired reaction on the material can still be produced at high frequencies. This capability ensures that complex or detailed patterns can be produced with accuracy and consistency, even when operating at higher pulse rates.
Frequencies of up to 4000 kHz can be achieved with our MOPA fiber lasers
The maximum pulse energy shows how much energy can be emitted by the laser per pulse. A higher maximum pulse energy enables better material removal. This is particularly important for applications where deep material processing is required. In addition, a higher maximum pulse energy allows the laser to process a wider range of materials, including those with higher density or hardness.
We can provide MOPA laser models with up to 50 mJ pulse energy.
The pulse width and the pulse peak power indicate how long the laser pulse lasts and what power is achieved during a single pulse. A shorter pulse width and a higher peak power enable more precise processing and better control over the heat-affected zone.
A higher peak power ensures that there is still a reaction to the material even at high pulse frequencies and the resulting lower pulse energy.
Depending on the laser model, pulse peak powers of up to 350 kW can be achieved.
The beam quality M² is a key figure that describes the quality of a laser beam. It indicates how close a laser beam comes to an ideal, divergence-free beam.
The lower the value of M², the better the beam quality and focus-ability of the laser.
The beam quality of our MOPA fiber lasers is excellent and can be adapted to specific processes at the factory on request.
Popular MOPA lasers for laser marking
Here you will find our MOPA fiber lasers for system integration, which unleash their full potential in the field of material marking at 1064 nm.
M7-Series
The M7-Series is characterized by its compact design and is a real all-rounder with strengths in many areas.
Perfect for laser marking and engraving.
Based on the MOPA principle, it offers adjustable pulse widths, brilliant beam quality, particularly dynamic response behavior and maximum reliability.
The M7 series is ideal for marking a wide range of materials and offers output powers from 20 to 500 watts.
M7-E2-Series
The M7-E2-Series is the next evolutionary stage of the globally popular M7-Series.
With their exceptionally compact and extremely lightweight design, all models can be easily integrated into various industrial laser marking systems, including very compact or mobile ones.
With output powers from 20 to 200 watts, the M7-E2-Series sets new standards in terms of compactness and performance. Perfect for all types of marking systems, even for very compact or mobile systems.
All models of the M7-E2-Series offer adjustable pulse widths, excellent beam quality, high dynamics and many other advantages.
M8-Series
The the M8-Series is ideal for marking or engraving with particularly high pulse peak powers.
With pulse peaks of up to 55 kW and a brilliant beam quality, it offers an excellent response on various materials with reduced heat input.
Models with output powers from 20 to 250 watts enable high-contrast marking, even on polymers with glass fiber content.
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Choosing a scan head for pulsed fiber lasers
When choosing scan heads, it is essential to carefully consider factors such as the coating of the deflection mirrors, power compatibility, mirror size, and existing requirements in terms of precision and process speed.
Used Wavelength
The coating of the deflection mirrors should be precisely matched to the wavelength of the laser.
This ensures optimum reflection of the laser beam and prevents absorption of laser power that could damage the coating or mirror.
Careful consideration of wavelength compatibility is of major importance.
Maximum Laser Power
The power compatibility of the deflection mirrors plays an important role.
Larger deflection mirrors can typically handle more laser power, as the power density on the coating decreases when the laser beam is expanded to match the larger mirror size.
This reduces the risk of damage and ensures the accuracy and longevity of the laser deflection unit.
Beam Diameter
The diameter of the laser beam is inversely proportional to the focus size on the material.
An initially larger beam diameter allows for finer focusing, resulting in higher power density and more precise marking.
It is important to consider the diameter of the laser beam when selecting the deflection unit to ensure that the mirror surfaces are optimally utilized and no laser power is cut off by the scan head.
Process-Requirements
When choosing a scan head for system integration or process development, it is crucial to anticipate future needs for accuracy and speed in the intended application, alongside considering the size, weight, mountings and interfaces of the scan head for seamless integration.
For precision-critical tasks, the use of laser scanning heads with high repeatability, position stability and minimal drift is recommended.
Are you looking for a matching scan head to fit your laser or project requirements?
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matching optics for pulsed fiber lasers
Here you can find all F-Theta lenses and beam expanders for wavelengths from 1064 nm and 1030 - 1080 nm. Suitable for combination with our MOPA fiber lasers.
We will be happy to assist you in selecting the specific model for your system integration.
F-Theta Lens, optical glass, 1064 nm
Our economical F-Theta lenses made of high-quality optical glass are ideal for versatile use in industrial laser marking.
With input apertures from 10 to 30 mm and working fields up to 560 x 560 mm, they enable precise marking at low to moderate laser power.
These F-Theta lenses offer a strong price/performance-ratio and are ideal for applications that require high precision but work with low or moderate laser power.
F-Theta lens, fused silica, 1030 – 1080 nm
Our F-Theta lenses made of high-quality fused silica, can be perfectly combined with powerful MOPA fiber lasers.
In addition to our lenses made of optical glass, our selection of focus lenses also includes a wide range of especially power-compatible fused silica F-Theta lenses for the wavelength range from 1030 - 1080 nm.
The material used ensures that the optical properties of the lens do not change even when higher laser powers are used.
F-Theta Lens, Telecentric, Optical glass, 1064 nm
For particularly demanding applications at lower laser powers, we offer telecentric F-Theta lenses for 1064 nm made of optical glass. Thy are characterized by outstanding optical properties and enable a very homogeneous focusing of laser beams in the entire working field.
Due to the extremely low telecentric error, precise and outstanding homogeneous processing of the material is possible.
The angle of incidence of the laser beam is almost 90° across the entire working field, which enables particularly precise marking and laser engraving.
F-Theta Lens, Telecentric, Fused Silica, 1030 – 1080 nm
Our telecentric F-Theta lenses made of fused silica have been specially developed for particularly demanding laser applications.
They offer high power compatibility and a very low telecentric error. The angle of incidence of the laser beam is almost 90° across the entire working field, which enables homogeneous focusing of the laser beam within the working field.
Therefore, our telecentric F-Theta lenses are particularly suitable for applications where a significant variation in spot symmetry and angle of incidence would compromise the precise processing of the material.
Zoom Beam Expander, 1064 nm
Our all-purpose Zoom Beam Expander offer both, variable magnification and adjustable divergence. They allow precise tuning to the beam source used and are thus also suitable for demanding industrial laser applications or flexible use in the laboratory.
All optical elements of the BE-Zoom-1064 series are made of high-quality fused silica and are specially coated for the wavelength of 1064 nm.
Magnifications of up to 10-times are available.
Fixed Beam Expander, 1064 nm
Our Fixed Beam Expanders for 1064 nm are available with fixed magnification factors from 1.1x to 20x.
The divergence of the BE-Fixed-1064 series can be finely tuned to the respective laser source to ensure optimum adjustment and maximum precision.
All optical elements are made of high-quality fused silica and are therefore particularly durable and temperature-stable.
compact Beam expander, 1064 nm
For particularly compact laser systems, we offer a range of extra compact fused silica beam expanders with fixed magnification for the wavelength of 1064 nm. They are characterised by their space-saving design and attractive cost-effectiveness.
A variety of models with 0.8x to 5x magnification are available. The divergence can be adjusted individually for optimal tuning to the respective laser source.
Are you looking for further information about our F-Theta lenses or beam expanders for system integration?
Or would like to talk to us about any other topic?
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Frequently asked questions about MOPA Fiber Lasers
VONJAN Technology, based in Germany, offers MOPA lasers technically adapted for the EU market.
With real warranty, proper documentation, local warehousing, short delivery times and an in-house laboratory with service and support in Germany.
Check out our MOPA laser sources.
As professionals in the field of MOPA fiber lasers with many years of experience, we are happy to assist you with your selection.
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Important Note:
The purchase of laser sources directly from EU third countries is quite risky, as importers based in the EU are treated as the manufacturer of the goods once they have been imported into the EU.
Extensive obligations and the legal responsibility of the manufacturer are automatically transferred to the importer after goods have entered the EU. (Product Safety, Documentation and more) Read more
Furthermore, many products that are offered directly from third countries outside the EU have been developed for other markets and do not meet the legal requirements. Even with high effort it is often not possible to provide binding proof of their safety to customs authorities. Affected products are usually confiscated and destroyed during a customs inspection.
Products that are specially designed for the European market often contain other components and assemblies in order to meet the requirements for product safety and product quality in the EU. Product liability is also usually regulated differently in non-EU countries than within the EU. This often results in enormous costs, long downtimes or no acceptable solution in the event of a service-case.
It is better not to take this risk.
You have found the MOPA Laser Wiki.
As absolute professionals in the field of MOPA laser sources with many years of experience, we've compiled an extensive collection of exciting information and insights on the topic of MOPA lasers for you:
Typical features and key advantages, along with insights into their structure and main components. Different laser marking methods using a MOPA fiber laser and typical materials are discussed, as well as important criteria for selecting a laser source for system integration. Additionally, we highlight our most popular MOPA lasers and offer selection criteria for compatible scan heads. We provide a concise overview of matching beam expanders and F-Theta lenses for professional laser marking and engraving at 1064 nm.
The laser settings for laser color marking depend on the material, the laser model used, the scan head and the focusing optics.
Important influencing factors are the focus size, the marking speed, the set laser power, the frequency, the pulse width, and the distance between the fill lines of the marking (hatch). Many annealing colors can be created by fine-tuning and precisely adjusting these parameters.
Tip: If you work with a larger focal diameter or slightly outside the focal plane, the power density on the material is reduced and therefore the risk of accidentally engraving the material surface.
By lasering a parameter matrix on the sample material, it becomes easier to find the right laser parameters for strong annealing colors without having to test each parameter combination individually.
Laser engraving is a process in which a precisely focused laser beam removes the material of the workpiece layer by layer through melting and vaporization.
Deeper or large-area engravings take longer compared to laser marking processes that produce surface markings.
Material is removed layer by layer to create a deep and resistant marking.
How powerful a laser needs to be to engrave metal is determined by several factors. Depending on the planned depth and size of the engraving and the desired processing time, lasers from 20 watts to over 1000 watts can be used. In most cases, pulsed fiber lasers.
If only a small engraving with a shallow depth is required and sufficient time is available for processing, fiber lasers of 20 - 100 watts can be used.
For harder metals, deeper and more extensive engravings or fast processing speeds, laser powers greater than 100 watts are recommended.
Yes, aluminum can be engraved with a laser. As it is a relatively soft metal, it is much easier to engrave than many other metals.
Small and shallow engravings can be carried out with pulsed fiber lasers from 20 to 100 watts output power. For industrial engravings with short processing times, pulsed fiber lasers with more than 100 watts are usually used.
Pulsed fiber lasers are ideal for engraving stainless steel, as the wavelength of 1064 nm reacts particularly well with metallic materials.
However, UV Lasers at 355 nm are also used in special cases. Due to their wavelength, they can be focused three times as small as a laser with a wavelength of 1064 nm. They are therefore particularly suitable for microscopically small engravings. For example, security features against product piracy.
Picosecond lasers are often used for engraving highly temperature-sensitive workpieces. Thanks to their ultra-short pulses and extremely high pulse peak power, the material is not melted but vaporized directly. Without heating the surrounding material: "cold" processing.
The duration of a laser engraving depends heavily on the material, the type of laser used, the maximum laser power as well as the depth and size of the engraving. Depending on the circumstances, processing times of less than 1 second to several minutes are possible.
MOPA lasers with an output of 60 Watts are extremely versatile tools that can be seamlessly integrated into a variety of laser systems and used for different laser applications:
Our state-of-the-art industrial MOPA lasers offer adjustable pulse widths which, in combination with different pulse frequencies, enable the use of different pulse shapes for high process speed and brilliant application results.
NEW 60W MOPA laser benchmark in terms of performance, compactness and lightweight design:
The M7-60-E2, is the next evolutionary development of the globally popular M7-60-E and sets new standards in terms of performance and size. Weighing less than 4.5 kg, it is a real powerhouse in an extremely compact design.
Why is the M7-E2-E2 so popular?
- - Extremely compact design, < 4.5 kg
- Maximum pulse energy up to 2 mJ
- Adjustable pulse widths 2 - 500 ns
- Pulse frequencies up to 4000 kHz
The M7-E2-E2 is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a powerful, highly dynamic yet compact MOPA 60 Watt fiber laser source for system integration. Read more...
Note: VONJAN Technology, based in Germany, offers MOPA lasers technically adapted for the EU market.
With real warranty, proper documentation, local warehousing, short delivery times and an in-house laboratory with service and support in Germany.
MOPA laser settings depend on a variety of factors, including the material, the specific laser process and method, the specific laser source, scan head and optics used.
Material requirements:
The choice of parameters is significantly influenced by the properties of the material being processed. Different materials require different laser parameters in order to achieve optimum application results. Absorption and reflection properties as well as the hardness of the material play an important role here, for example.
Consideration of the laser source:
The properties of the laser source, such as output power, beam quality, pulse width and pulse peak power, are decisive for the selection of parameters. Precise knowledge of the laser source and its properties is very helpful.
Influence of the scan head and optics:
The scan head and the optics used, influence the characteristics of the laser beam and laser focus on the workpiece. Therefore they also influence the laser parameter selection.
Iterative process of parameter definition:
Determining the optimum parameters often requires experimental tests and adjustments. The best parameters for the respective laser process can be determined through systematic test runs and fine tuning.
In our in-house laser laboratory, we conduct laser application tests and professional analysis of the results. This service assists our customers in selecting suitable components for their laser systems or laser processes.
