Laser manufacturer, shop to develop micromachining processes

Applied Energetics Inc. and Laser Light Technologies Inc. have entered into a cooperative work agreement to jointly develop ultrashort-pulse lasers (USPLs) and processes for the laser micromachining market.

Laser Light Technologies will lend its laser-micromachining expertise to a joint venture with laser-manufacturer Applied Energetics.

Under terms of the agreement Applied Energetics (AE) will supply Laser Light Technologies (LLTI) with a USPL for the purpose of developing processes and methods for conducting micromachining of a wide variety of materials. LLTI will provide AE expertise on micromachining of materials at AE’s Laser Applications Center, and also provide feedback on the optimization of processes for use in the development of future USP laser systems. Additionally, LLTI will be able to sell AE’s USP lasers to their customers on a commission basis.

AE President Joe Hayden said: "We are very excited about this partnership with LLTI as it will greatly expand our knowledge about what is required within the micromachining industry, and essentially doubles the capability of our Laser Applications Center. LLTI is a well-respected provider of laser machining services for a broad array of industries. They were the first customer to visit our applications center and their enthusiasm for the capabilities our lasers bring to their business is very encouraging as we expand into the commercial laser market.”

"Our team looks forward to receiving AE’s USP laser and the new capabilities it will bring to our company, the president of Laser Light Technologies, Frank Hannan. “The results we have seen with the initial samples processed at the AE Application Center are very exciting. We believe that this will allow us to expand our business into areas we previously were unable to compete in, and benefit from the growing market for “cold machining” offered by USP lasers."

Ultrashort pulse lasers are one of the fastest-growing segments of the laser industry. According to AE, its USP lasers have higher pulse energy, shorter pulse widths and higher average power than other USP lasers available in the commercial market, offering industrial users the flexibility to process a wide variety of materials at high throughput. Examples of materials currently processed at AE’s Laser Applications Center include stainless steel, quartz, glass, graphite, copper and polymer materials.