Applications

Technical ceramics such as alumina (Al₂O₃) are traditionally quite difficult to machine, due to their brittleness and hardness.  CO₂ laser processing reduces mechanical stress, allowing lines, slots, holes and other features to be machined. The laser's pulse regime is critical when processing ceramic, so the capability of our SR 15i to deliver long pulses up to 1 millisecond is a distinct advantage in these applications.

Our CO₂ lasers can make marks on a range of glass surfaces.  Applications may be decorative, functional or technical. From decoration of high-end glassware to subtle traceability codes on beverage bottles, our systems have applications in the pharmaceutical, automotive, cosmetic, beverage and tableware industries.  Our IP66-rated laser markers are engineered to withstand the harsh environments typically encountered in these industries.

Our CO₂ lasers can cut metals including stainless and mild steel, thin aluminium, and other non-ferrous metals. CO₂ laser cutting is more precise than traditional methods.  Complex profiles can be produced with minimal waste, and the non-contact nature of the process means there is no tool wear or breakage.  Edge quality is generally good, minimising the need for post-process finishing.  Other processes such as welding and drilling may be possible in some cases.

Paper and card materials respond well to CO₂ laser processing, and can be cut, marked, scribed and perforated. Our systems are used to mark packaging in the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries, where high-contrast marks are applied to inked surfaces. Intricate designs can be cut with ease and flexibility, to make greeting cards and invitations, for example. Self-adhesive labels can be kiss-cut without damage to the backing paper, holes are perforated through the pages of passports as a security feature, and paper products can be cut during production, on the fly at high speed.

Our versatile CO₂ lasers can process a range of plastic materials for packaging, displays, automotive and other applications. Laser processing is flexible and efficient.  High absorption and low thermal conductivity means that little energy is wasted.  We offer CO₂ lasers at three different wavelengths for optimal results, and can help you to select the best one for your application.

Rubber can be processed by CO2 lasers in a variety of ways.  Rubber sheets can be ablated to create rubber stamps, holes can be drilled in silicone teats for baby bottles, and windscreen wiper blades and door seals can be cut and drilled for the automotive industry. Texture can be added to shoe soles by ablation or scribing the rubber, producing an effect which is both decorative and functional.

Our CO₂ lasers can create patterns on your jeans, trim the fabric for your car interior, and cut the material for your clothes. Both natural and synthetic textiles can be processed using our lasers. Laser processing is flexible, allowing designs to be created and modified with ease. The laser cuts most fabrics cleanly and at high speed, simultaneously sealing the edges to prevent fraying.

Compared with traditional woodworking methods, CO₂ laser cutting is fast and precise, allowing complex shapes to be cut out with ease.  Laser processing minimises waste, produces no sawdust, and eliminates the problems caused by tool wear and breakage. Lasers can also mark and engrave wood, producing high quality results; applications could be for identification or purely decorative.