Rofin-Sinar Experiences

[analogkid2digitalman]

Hello:

My company is looking to build or buy a specialized multi-axis CNC system for laser-based processing of glass. One potential vendor we are looking at is Rofin-Sinar. Has anyone had experiences with this company or their equipment?
If so, let me know your thoughts.

Thanks

-Pete

 

[chadxyz]

Rofin-Sinar produces top of the line CO2 lasers. They are constantly pushing the envelope of technology with lasers. They are the "big name" in industrial laser technology. Our shop has worked with their laser units for years,with relativly few problems. If there are problems,they generally can be resolved over the phone by their support staff. That being said I have never worked with a motion system produced by Rofin, just the actual laser units attached to other vendors machine tools. By the way, are you processing quartz glass? Just curious. Check Rofin's web site for more details.

Regards,

Chad

 

[djmcheme]

I tend to think of Trumpf as the big name in lasers. Rofin is a distant 3rd.

 

[Rleu]

Mazak makes a very good laser and also Amada depending how many axis you want and what type of wattage you are looking for. Rofin makes a excellent laser but you have to attach it to a machine, Mazak and Amada both have the laser integrated into the machine and the resonator is mounted on the machine frame which mackes the optic's stay aligned much better Mazak uses a panasonic laser and Amada use a Fanuc laser So it really depends on what you doing and how much you want to spend both tend to be a little expensive but used Amada's seem to be ok on price

Richard Leu
Cascade engineering and Service
Richard_Leu@hotmail.com

 

[SERVOCAM]

I'm a motion control person that works a lot of End-Users, Integrators, and OEMs with the laser industry. Most applications are Medical related, followed by Auto & Aerospace and then general laser cutting. Trumph and Mazak seem to be the general Laser CNC / Machine Tool industry for big sheet metal, but for all the specialized applications I get into, I never hear their names. I don't know enough about what laser for what applications (trying to learn more), but here are the names I usually hear:


1. Lasag -

http://www.lasag.com

2. Lee Laser -

http://www.leelaser.com

3. Rofin-Sinar Lasers -

http://www.rofin.com

4. GSI -

http://www.gsi.com

5. PRC Lasers -

http://www.prclaser.com

6. Unitek Miyachi Lasers -

http://www.unitekmiyachilasers.com

7. Lamda Physik -

http://www.lambdaphysik.com

8. Coherent Laser Group -

http://www.coherentinc.com

9. Spectraphysics -

http://www.spectraphysics.com

10. Synrad -

http://www.synrad.com

I see Lasag Lasers and Lee Lasers the most and some Rofin. For micron-machining I see everyone using Lamda Phy. General job-shop metal cutting I see a lot of old Coherent & GSI Lumonics / Laserdyne systems.

If you need help with the motion, let me know.

 

[ScottS]

Trumpf is the biggest laser company out there but pricy. Rofin CO2 slab laser have an excellent mode which is good for cutting but don't know how essential it is for marking glass.

Scott

 

[analogkid2digitalman]

Hello All:

Thanks for you inputs!

I've checked into Rofin a bit more in terms of hardware/software/pricing. Their lowest power laser is in the range of 10-100 W CW at +/-7% stability , we need to go as low as 1 W and as high as 100 W with +/-2% stability. Our application involves cutting, shaping, and welding of small fused-silica components. It would be best if Rofin would integrate a DEOS GEM100L into their U200 workstation at our request, which they can do. I have developed proprietary software in LabView to modulate a DEOS within our needed stability specs down to 1 W. Rofin typically utilizes Aerotech 3200 software (a fully software-based motion controller) with Aerotech motors/stages in this series of Workstations. It's managements call, if they decide they want me to design/develop a system for an in-house build, I am up to the challenge.

Again, Thanks

-Pete

 

[MH1]

I work as an RF Engineer for Rofin-Sinar and I can say that the quality of the Laser systems they produce are excellent. Rofin-Sinar now makes the SCx60 the most powerful "sealed-off" CO2 laser in the world today:

http://www.rofin.com/english/news/press/Euroblech_Press_release_final.pdf

I was with a small team of Engineers responsible for the RF Power Supply for the Laser and it has turned out very impressive and reliable for its Power O/P. The system as a whole is being put through its paces by a number of companies with very impressive feedback.

 

[ScottI2R]

MH1,
When did you start at Rofin? I was employed out of the Plymouth office until 4/96 when I pursued other opportunities. I was wondering if we worked together.

Scott


In a hundred years, it isn't going to matter anyway.

 

[MH1]

ScottI2R,
We never worked together. I am from the North of England and I joined Rofin-Sinar some three years ago, I am based in Hull, Yorkshire, England.
I really enjoy working for the company, it is a huge engineering challenge but I have learned that this is the nature of the Laser business! Working with RF is a headache, but I have been at it just over 20 years and I look at it as just more problems to be solved!

 

[ScottI2R]

Thanks for the reply MH1. I was just wondering as I have lost touch with everyone over there that I used to work with. Have to look them up at the next IMTS show in Chicago.
Take care,
Scott

In a hundred years, it isn't going to matter anyway.

 

[rbarredo]

Hi I am an equipment engineer of this type of equipment. I have seen its performance on glass but my company uses it to mark molded ICs. With regards to this application I know only of 2 types which I can recommend, EO and Rofin.