Laser Micromachining Systems

In laser micromachining, a high-energy laser beam is focused on a workpiece to precisely ablate or remove material. The beam can be delivered using:

• Galvanometer scan head
• Fixed-optic focus head with high-pressure gas assist
• Multi-axis head for greater control over cut angles and feature shapes

Motion stages may include simple linear and rotary axes or more complex multi-axis coordinated systems. Dedicated tooling, machine vision, automation, loading/unloading mechanisms, and pre-/post-process inspection features can be integrated to create a fully production-ready system.

What Lasers and Wavelengths Are Used?

Laser micromachining systems can be configured with a range of laser sources depending on application requirements:

• Ultrashort pulse (USP) femtosecond lasers – provide the best material removal quality, with minimal-to-no thermal defects, and the highest degree of process stability and precision. With options in IR, green, and in special cases, UV, wavelengths, femtosecond lasers provide the optimal processing capability for nearly any material, including metals and metal alloys, plastics and polymers, ceramics, and glasses.

• For processes that benefit from other types of laser sources, Micromachining Systems can also be configured with a range of fiber, DPSS nanosecond green or UV, CO₂, and picosecond lasers, selected specifically for the application.

What Are Some Common Laser Micromachining Processes?

Laser micromachining provides processing capabilities for a variety of precision operations including:

• Precision milling and cutting
• Selective ablation
• Micro drilling
• Surface texturing
• Wire stripping
• Feature creation with very tight tolerances

Because the process is non-contact, there are no tools to wear, minimal heat-affected zone, and very low surface roughness compared to many mechanical alternatives.

What Materials Can Be Micromachined?

Laser micromachining accommodates nearly any material class, including:

• Metals and metal alloys
• Plastics and polymers
• Ceramics
• Glass

The choice of laser type and parameters is driven by material properties and the desired feature quality.

What Are Typical Features and Results?

Laser micromachining can produce:

• Very small, highly precise features
• Excellent quality with no burrs or dross
• Minimal heat-affected zone
• Low surface roughness

This enables production of features that are difficult or impossible to achieve using traditional processes such as mechanical milling, chemical etching, or EDM, especially where feature sizes are very small or materials are sensitive to heat or mechanical stress.

What Do AMADA WELD TECH’s Laser Micromachining Systems Include?

The integrated systems that support laser micromachining come in a range of sizes and form factors to readily accommodate a large variety of:

• Sample part sizes
• Motion stage travel dimensions which can include simple rotaries and linear axes, as well as much more complex multi-axis stages with coordinated motion
• Laser sources
• Optical delivery methods: galvanometer scan head, a fixed-optic focus head with high-pressure gas-assist, or a multi-axis head for more control over cut angles and kerf geometries
• Automation and accessory components

Additionally, dedicated tooling, machine vision, sophisticated automation and loading mechanisms, and pre- and post-process inspection capabilities can all be combined to provide a fully functional production-ready system.

Both the component selection and the overall design of the system to enable the laser process are critical for a production machine. AMADA WELD TECH’s broad range of technologies, products, and systems makes it possible for us to provide complete solutions for both simple and complex manufacturing challenges.

Why Choose AMADA WELD TECH?

The path to solving even your most difficult materials processing needs begins with our technical sales experts. Working with our applications engineers, our broad, experienced team offers insightful feedback on process feasibility and part design to maximize production reliability. Application/sample qualification in our labs helps you determine the best choice of equipment for a robust, production-ready process. If a system is needed, our team of system engineers with expertise in motion, tooling, vision and software deliver smart and innovative solutions tailored to functional requirements and budget. Define – Design – Deliver.