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The Laser 5Ax laser ablation center from GF AgieCharmilles is designed for fully digitized manufacturing of detailed and nuanced texturing, micro-structuring, engraving, marking and labeling. 2D and 3D details are machined from a high-quality digital image, producing completely reproducible results, the company says.

According to the company, laser ablation is faster and quieter, and more repeatable, flexible and environmentally friendly than conventional manual and chemical-etching processes. The machine’s mapping system uses a pulsed laser to render the desired texturing. The laser ablation technology is designed to produce more layers than chemical etching, resulting in a higher level of detail, the company says. Parts can be machined in a variety of materials, including graphite, aluminum, copper, steel, carbide, brass and ceramics.

The machine provides two optical and five mechanical axes housed in a cast iron body for improved absorption, stability and quality. Linear scales and rotary encoders maximize accuracy. The machine features a 20-W, Ytterbium-pulsed fiber laser, and a 50-W laser is available to increase capabilities. Other features include a programmable, tilting laser head; high-resolution camera with integrated illumination for fine positioning; integrated touch probe; dust exhaust; central lubrication system; and lenses of varying focal strength.

Two front-opening doors ease loading and unloading of large parts via a crane. The machine offers pollutant-free operation, producing no fluids, slurry or chips. Dust particles are automatically extracted by vacuum to guarantee a clean process.