Once heralded as the technology of tomorrow, lasers now play a key role within many manufacturing facilities today. Thanks to the laser, many manufacturing processes which would otherwise have been impossible, inefficient, or too costly to implement are now part of everyday production techniques across many industry sectors. The ongoing development of lasers, combined with their inherent flexibility, means that lasers continue to not only improve production processes, but open up new opportunities for the application of this technology.
Leveraging the full potential of laser technology is Bromsgrove based TLM Laser. Founded in 2006, initially as a dedicated laser service company, TLM Laser today is recognised as one of the UK’s leading laser technology suppliers with an impressive portfolio of laser sources, modules, systems, and support technologies. With distribution partnerships with a number of the world’s leading laser technology manufacturers, TLM provides solutions for Laser Marking, Engraving, Metal Welding, Plastic Welding, Cutting, Cleaning, Material Processing and 3D Metal Printing.
Choosing the Right Solution
The ready availability of lasers today, combined with the choices of laser source: CO2, YAG, Fiber etc. and different wavelengths, means it is important that potential users seek qualified advice on the most appropriate solution for their application. TLM’s Andy Toms explains: “It’s never been easier to access laser technology, with opportunities to purchase from a plethora of suppliers and sources. However, just as for other technologies, it is essential that all aspects of the application be reviewed in detail to ensure that the most appropriate laser system is selected. For example, depending upon the intended use of the laser it may be that a CO2 or a Fiber laser will be best suited. In addition, it is advisable to consider potential future needs to ensure that the investment will provide an ongoing return in the longer term.”
Technologies for all applications
Lasers have become essential production tools for many manufacturers: cutting, welding, marking, cleaning, and processing many material types. Equally, different sectors have their own specific and diverse requirements, such as high-quality indelible marks used for Unique Device Identification (UDI) on medical devices, or laser scoring and converting on the packaging materials and films used within the food sector.
One example of the technology available from TLM Laser for high compliance marking on medical devices is FOBA Laser’s M2000 laser marking system with MOSAIC. This fixtureless marking concept uses through-the-lens vision, combined with a process of “tiling” the images of the part. The camera is used to capture multiple small images and then arranges them into a single large image, just like a mosaic.
This image is then used for system training, job setup, part validation, pre-mark verification and mark alignment. The natural straight-down view from inside the laser provides an imaging field as large as that of the laser marking area. The benefit of this configuration is that it eliminates the need for external cameras, which can sometimes cause inaccuracies due to perspective and optical distortion.
Lasers are available in a number of different configurations for welding applications, whether on plastics or metals. For metal welding, TLM offer a comprehensive range of both stand-alone and mobile welding systems. ALPHA Laser’s ALM250 is just one example from the range which is ideally suited to a variety of applications. The mobile configuration of this system makes it ideally suited to mould tool repair tasks, where the laser can be brought to the workpiece, and in many cases, it’s not necessary to remove the mould from the machine.
The laser can be made ready for use in just minutes, with the laser arm quickly positioned and fixed in the desired working position via electro-hydraulic brakes. Welding can be performed manually with the joystick, semi-automatically, or via an external operating unit with a pulse function.
Flatbed laser marking & cutting
Flatbed laser technology is used within multiple sectors for cutting and marking applications. These systems range from desktop units through to large self-contained systems for processing sheet-metals and tubes. TLM has a comprehensive portfolio of systems which cover the full spectrum of applications. Universal Laser’s extensive range offers a number of different platforms, available with a choice of CO2 or Fiber Lasers and a comprehensive array of options, including MultiWave Hybrid Technology, which allow users to configure the system to their specific requirements.
For sheet-metal and tube processing, the systems from BODOR provide options on fiber laser sources from IPG or Maxphotonics, and laser power up to 40kW. These systems are ideally suited for applications on a wide range of metals including Carbon Steels, Stainless Steels, Alloys, Aluminium, Copper, and Brass. Working envelopes range from 600mm x 600mm up to 6m x 2m for the flat-bed systems, and up to 6.5m in length for tube processing, with the capability of cutting carbon steel up to 100mm thick, depending upon model and laser power.
Technology backed by expertise
With over sixteen years of experience in applying laser technology, TLM Laser has grown to become a solutions company, recognised for its expertise in specifying, integrating, installing, and supporting laser systems. TLM also supply a wide range of laser safety equipment, spare parts, fume extraction, chillers, training, consultancy, and sub-contract laser marking.
The company’s engineers are highly trained and have experienced on a complete range of lasers. Whether they are lamp pumped lasers, diode pumped or CO2, TLM also offers laser servicing and repair, carrying out scheduled maintenance visits as well as providing call out cover.
