Laser ablation with the LASERTEC Shape series

Efficient production via contactless laser machining

With the LASERTEC Shape series, DMG MORI offers an efficient and productive solution for 3D laser ablation. The LASERTEC Shape series has a broad range of applications. It is distinguished by a high level of process reliability on the one hand, and on the other, by its 100 percent reproducible material removal. The non-contact material processing of components using laser beams makes it possible to produce technical miniature moulds, press dies, and embossing tools – entirely without conventional electrode manufacturing or tool wear. This saves resources and accelerates the entire industrial manufacturing process.

LASERTEC Shape machines are also used for laser texturing of geometrically defined surfaces. With the laser ablation method, complex textures and structures can be created on free-form surfaces. Engraving and laser marking are possible, too. This method is primarily used in the production of injection moulds for mould making. This is because texturing provides products such as PET bottles or electronic products with additional technical qualities. Scratch-resistant, super-matte, or hydrophobic surfaces are just some real-world examples that are being used in everyday applications with increasing frequency.

Femtosecond lasers: Laser ablation without heat input into hard materials

The heart of the LASERTEC Shape machines is the laser source. And this is why the 5-axis LASERTEC 50 Shape Femto is equipped with a femtosecond laser. The ultrashort pulse laser can remove thin layers, both from standard materials and from wear-resistant advanced materials such as hard metal, glass, and ceramics. This is done without heat input into the material. This is an effective way of avoiding cracks and material stresses. This significantly increases the service life of hard-metal embossing dies. The precise laser beam also creates cavities flank angles of up to 10° and internal corner radius as low as 0.03 mm. The surface quality reaches Ra < 0.1 µm, ensuring that the highest quality standards are met.

Intelligent features for high-end processing

With travel distances of 500 x 460 x 700 mm, the LASERTEC 50 Shape Femto offers ample space to process a range of components. With linear drives in the X and Y axes, as well as torque motors in the two rotary axes, the laser-precision machine achieves high acceleration values. This ensures dynamic production processes. The CNC machine also has a compact design. At a footprint of just 4 square metres, it also fits into tightly spaced production environments. DMG MORI has specifically tailored the features of the LASERTEC 50 Shape Femto machine for high-end machining applications. The laser source has various tuning options with variable pulse lengths and burst modes. The positioning accuracy of ≤ 8 µm means you can work with high precision. A CCD camera and a 3D touch probe mean that the machines are incredibly quick to set up.

Automated laser machining for maximised productivity

To push the cost-effectiveness of LASERTEC Shape technology even higher, DMG MORI offers automation solutions for the LASERTEC 50 Shape Femto. For instance, the PH 50 pallet handling system, which makes an effective contribution to both manned and unmanned night shifts.