EFFICIENT PROCESSING OF DIFFERENT SURFACE HEIGHTS
The combination of f-theta lens and deflection unit is an ideal solution for many marking and engraving applications. After all, for small and medium-sized working fields, it offers small focus diameters and good flat field correction with low spot variations.
However, the workpieces are not always flat. Especially when cleaning components from paint, oxide layers or oil, cutting flexible printed circuit boards or marking, it is important to follow the contour of the component in order to achieve the desired processing result. It is also important to correct the focus position during the process when deep engraving or drilling and cutting glass.
For these applications, the FOCUSSHIFTER RD-14 is the right choice. It adds an adjustable lens system to the combination of f-theta lens and deflection unit, allowing the z-position of the focus to be set dynamically. As a result, layer-by-layer processing (2.5D) as well as processing in space (3D) are both possible. Thanks to its extremely compact design and versatile mounting options, it can be flexibly integrated into laser systems.
The FOCUSSHIFTER RD-14 therefore offers system integrators an attractive solution for extending laser systems to three-dimensional workpieces. And thanks to the f-theta lens, the FOCUSSHIFTER RD-14 performs particularly well when processing workpieces with different height levels.
Highest dynamics
Versatile use
Stable focus position
WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT THE FOCUSSHIFTER RD-14?
3D LASER PROCESSING WITH DYNAMIC FOCUS ADJUSTMENT
The FOCUSSHIFTER RD-14 is a 3D deflection unit that is especially valuable at low laser powers and in small and mediumsized processing fields. It uses a flat field correction using an f-theta lens and also offers highly dynamic adjustment of the z-position of the focus. Thanks to its compact housing and multiple mounting options, the FOCUSSHIFTER RD-14 fi ts into almost any laser system, making it the ideal solution for processing in 2.5D.
See for yourself:
FACTS & USE CASES
LASER DRILLING AND CUTTING OF GLASS
When drilling or cutting through thicker layers of glass, a fixed z-height often results in a defocused laser spot. The result is inaccurate drilling depths, and uneven hole walls that both compromise the accuracy and quality of the finished glass. Technical experts in glass processing therefore need a solution that guarantees a consistent focus for every drilling or cutting process, ensuring high precision and minimal material stress even with different glass thicknesses.
The FOCUSSHIFTER RD-14 meets these requirements with its dynamically adjustable optical z-axis. Thanks to RAYVOLUTION DRIVE technology, it enables real-time focus adjustment during the process. This ensures that the laser remains optimally focused at the correct depth, leading to precise, clean and consistent drilling results. The use of an f-theta lens in the FOCUSSHIFTER RD-14 also enables minimal spot variations across the working field and uniform, constant angles of incidence through telecentric lenses.
Laser processing of glass. Thanks to the contactfree material ablation, even fragile materials can be processed with the laser. The adjustment of the focus position in the z-direction enables optimum focusing even with thicker glass and thus ensures a precise drilling or cutting result.
With the FOCUSSHIFTER RD-14, users can achieve outstanding processing accuracy and quality, which increases efficiency and reduces waste during glass processing
3D LASER MARKING AND ENGRAVING
Marking and engraving on 3D surfaces. The dynamic z-axis of the FOCUSSHIFTER RD-14 enables optimum focusing during the marking process. As a result, QR codes and markings remain clearly readable even on uneven surfaces. (Source: Laserax)
When marking and engraving workpieces with complex geometries, a uniform focus across different contours and surfaces is a challenge. Without an adjustable z-height, the laser can lose focus when passing over uneven or 3D surfaces. This leads to inconsistent engraving depths, blurred markings and possible damage to the workpiece. The lack of precision is particularly problematic with complicated designs or when a high level of detail is required. Therefore, engineers in this field need a solution that maintains a constant, precise focus and adapts seamlessly to the complex geometries of the workpieces.
The dynamically adjustable optical z-axis of the FOCUSSHIFTER RD-14 enables rapid focus adjustment almost in real time and ensures that the laser remains optimally focused on every contour and angle of the workpiece. This results in sharp, uniform engravings and markings, regardless of the complexity of the surface.
The FOCUSSHIFTER RD-14 enables you to achieve maximum efficiency and quality when engraving and marking, even with geometrically complex workpieces.
OPTIMAL ADD-ONS
PROCESS AUTOMATION WITH MACHINE VISION CONTROL (MVC)
Part alignment is a critical step in the manufacturing process that frequently requires manual intervention and may take a lot of time. The same applies to quality control of the machined parts. Hence, these tasks can quickly limit the scalability of series production.
Therefore, we off er our MACHINE VISION CONTROL (MVC) as the basis for an automated system. The MVC are matched vision components that enable an optimal solution for your process optimization and process monitoring. The MVC includes the following hardware components:
- On-axis camera adapter for laser wavelengths of 355 nm, 532 nm or 1,070 nm
- Industrial CMOS cameras with 5 MP resolution, GigE Vision compliant
- Camera lenses optimized for 640 nm illumination
- LED illumination based on fl at or ring light modules for 640 nm including illumination controller for control via GigE
User-friendly vision plug-ins for our RAYGUDE laser process software complement the optical hardware. Thanks to the plug-ins RAYGUIDE CLICK&TEACH and RAYGUIDE MATCH, it is much easier to recognize the position of the workpiece and adapt the movement of the defl ection unit accordingly. This offers a wide range of adjustments and automations:
- Geometric adaptation and optimization of existing laser jobs to the workpiece
- Generate texts and barcodes on the workpiece
- Create marking, drilling, cutting and welding contours on the workpiece
- Simulate laser jobs in the live image with moving crosshairs and pilot laser
- Document and archive the executed processes
- Teaching in references and geometries for automatic and correct positioning of the laser process
ON-AXIS MACHINE VISION SETUP
The observation light from the component is collected by the f-theta lens. After the scanning mirrors, it is refl ected by a dichroic element onto the camera lens and the camera.
POSITIONING WITH RAYGUDIE CLICK&TEACH
With MACHINE VISION CONTROL (MVC), the laser jobs can be adapted and positioned directly on the component. The MVC is also ideal for automated quality inspection.
GOOD REASONS TO CHOOSE RAYLASE
THIS MAKES RAYLASE SPECIAL
Technical specifications are important and often decisive. But at RAYLASE, we believe that there is more to it than pure technology that matters. For this reason, we are your partner for reliable and successful laser processes and offer more than just technical components.
Systems view instead of components
Modern production systems for laser processing are usually designed specifically for one process step and are highly optimized. It is therefore important to consider the interplay with the other machine components when selecting suitable beam deflection units. At RAYLASE, we therefore always have the entire solution in mind and offer our customers assistance in putting together suitable components.
Broad application knowledge
For many processes, the beam deflection unit is a decisive component. Often it determines whether the desired spot parameters and processing speeds can be implemented on the component. To identify the optimal solution here, we support our customers in selecting the right beam delivery components and sensor technology. and perform simulations of the laser processes developed by our customers. In addition, we provide support in the parameterization of the laser and deflection unit or software functionality through the experts at our Technical Competence Center TCC.
On-site support for implementation and service
Our customers are the experts for their application – we are the experts for our beam deflection units. That’s why we support our customers during the commissioning of our products – if necessary also directly on site. In this way, we at RAYLASE ensure that our system is optimally adjusted and permanently delivers what it is capable of.
Education & training on the system
Modern laser deflection units are complex systems. Therefore, it is important to have a good knowledge of their characteristics. Because only when users know how the various parameters interact the optimum process becomes possible. For this reason, we at RAYLASE put a high priority on training for our products. In addition, we also offer our customers on-site training directly on the system, if required, to enable users to operate the system independently.
The POWER OF WE
Together you achieve more. At RAYLASE, we are convinced about this. That’s why we place great value on cooperation in a spirit of partnership and open communication at equal level – from expert to expert. Because only when we jointly find the best solution and successful integrate it into the machine, everyone involved benefits in the end – our customers, us and also the end users.
