Tag Archives: LIA Membership

Meet PhotoMachining, Inc. – August’s Featured Corporate Member

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In 1997, John O’Connell and Ronald Schaeffer founded PhotoMachining, Inc., a world leader in precision micromachining applications.

The company specializes in the use of Ultraviolet (UV) and Ultra Short Pulse (USP) lasers. Their lasers come in

3 wavelength femtosecond laser micromachining system

a wide variety of wavelengths, which enables them to provide the laser industry with laser micromachining, contract manufacturing, and laser micro machining systems for industrial applications specific to customer requests.

“The development of laser technology has occurred to a great extent over the last 20 years and we have always tried to have the newest lasers available,” said Dr. Ronald Schaeffer, Chief Executive Officer with PhotoMachining. “We were at the forefront of developing novel laser techniques using high pulse rate USP lasers with both fixed optics and galvo scanners.”

Their team of approximately 25 employees make up two divisions: the Systems Division and the Job Shop Division. Both divisions work together to create innovative systems for their customers’ unique industry needs. The company’s services reach a large variety of markets, which include medical devices, microelectronics, and semiconductors. They have even collaborated on projects related to aerospace and defense.

Laser process development engineer micromachining a novel medical device

“We are proud to deliver products to our customers that give them a competitive edge,” said Schaeffer. “We are particularly proud of the processes we have specifically developed for some of the leading medical device manufacturers, which have greatly reduced costs and downtime for our clients.” PhotoMachining, Inc. is continuously trying to innovate and grow. “Our staff is highly motivated to tackle some of the most difficult manufacturing processes regarding precision and economic viability in a production environment,” Schaeffer said. “It requires multiple talents in laser material interaction, systems integration, automation and software to produce highly reliable laser machining systems.”

Based out of Pelham, New Hampshire, the company is looking forward to exploring new initiatives. According to Schaeffer, one such initiative is, “3D printing in optically clear materials through Selective Laser Etching (SLE) with LightFab.”

“The SLE process involves exposing hard brittle and otherwise transparent materials like

Examples of micron-scale machining in soft (plastics) to hard (diamond) materials

Quartz and Fused Silica to USP laser light and then chemically etching the exposed area away, where etching selectivity after laser exposure is enhanced over a thousand times,” Schaeffer said. “This method makes 3D precision parts by essentially 3D printing the pattern inside the bulk of the material. SLE is expected to play a major role in many manufacturing processes such as microfluidics.”

PhotoMachining Inc., an LIA corporate member since 2005, actively participates in a number of networking opportunities, allowing them to rub elbows with industry leaders, scientists, and investors from around the world.

“We are active participants at ICALEO and LME conferences and find that LIA is a great place to meet others involved in the laser industry,” Schaeffer said. “LIA is like home.”

The company is always looking towards the future by working alongside new companies with fresh ideas. “Although we work with Fortune 500 corporations,” said O’Connell. “It is gratifying to help startups by producing a handful of prototypes and developing economically viable full production volumes.”

Ron Schaeffer is an active educator within the laser community and has given countless seminars on laser technology and laser materials processing.  For an example of his work, here is a short video on “How Lasers Work”. For more information about PhotoMachining Inc., please visit http://www.photomachining.com/

This corporate member feature was written by Brandon Kalloo in collaboration with PhotoMachining, Inc.

Meet LASEA – June’s Featured Corporate Member

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Known worldwide for its ultra-speed and accuracy, LASEA is a precision laser solution provider that manufactures highly efficient and reliable laser machines for the industry.

Headquartered in Liege, Belgium, LASEA was founded in 1999 by Axel Kupisiewicz. Well-acquainted with the space industry, the founder created the company to respond to the growing needs of precision laser processes. Right from the start, LASEA specialized in automatic and high-precision machines that operate using short and ultrashort pulsed lasers.

The company provides laser systems and industrial production lines for coating removal on glass and plastic using these short-pulsed lasers. As its most popular product, the high-selling and ultrafast pulsed laser machine is known as the LS5. It includes vision capabilities, a dual laser option, and the brand-new Precession module for zero-taper cutting and drilling.

Thanks to a team of experts and strong R&D programs, LASEA has remained at the forefront of technology and innovation in the laser industry. The company will soon be releasing a high-productivity machine for micromachining that contains a femtosecond 100W laser power. Since 2003, LASEA has been a pioneer in the world of femtosecond laser machines. It was the first company to introduce an industrial laser machine using a femtosecond laser at Laser Munich in 2011. As a part of these innovations, LASEA had developed unique and patented processes such as intra-volume marking within transparent materials for traceability and anti-counterfeiting.

LASEA’s reach extends into markets as diverse as medical devices, luxury jewelry and watches, semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and aerospace applications. The company offers a range of laser machines and OEM beam management modules for applications such as marking, micromachining, engraving, cutting, drilling, selective ablation, and texturing.

Comprised of approximately 70 employees collectively, LASEA has three subsidiaries in addition to its headquarters. The U.S. subsidiary of the company, LASEA, Inc., is based out of El Cajon, CA. Overall, the company is primarily made up of technical personnel, of which 40 percent are engineers. It’s further organized into individual departments for R&D, Application, Machine Conception, Optical Components, and Production. It also houses its own electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and automation groups.

LASEA’s flexible approach is based on customer satisfaction and allows the company to conceive and manufacture turnkey, customized solutions for many world-class companies in the med-tech, pharmaceutical, and watch manufacturing industries.

Some of the most notable achievements include delivering world-premiere machines for cochlear implants and intra-ocular implants. To give an idea of the company’s vast scope, LASEA has also installed many high-end systems in production lines that run automatically 24 hours per day within the watch industry. These systems have unparalleled processing capabilities, as well as ultra-high precision systems of up to 0.2 microns on each axis. LASEA is proud to have developed and installed so many unique and advanced systems.

As a Laser Institute of America (LIA) member since 2016, LASEA, Inc. General Manager Robert Braunschweig said he appreciates LIA as being the centerpiece of the world of laser processing. He credits the conferences and networking with advancing and promoting new technologies and ideas. As a pioneer in ultrafast laser micromachining, he believes LASEA serves an essential role in this promotion and simultaneously benefits from the reach and knowledge of LIA.

For more information about LASEA, Inc., visit www.lasea.us.

The Top Five Reasons Why Laser Professionals are LIA Members

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Laser Institute of America offers myriad opportunities for laser professionals to expand their education, professional network, and develop their laser careers.

Did you know that becoming an LIA member increases these opportunities exponentially?

Here are just five of the many reasons why laser professionals enjoy the benefits of LIA membership. If you are already a member, this blog will help you uncover how to get the most out of your LIA membership now and in the future.

1. LIA Members Receive Unprecedented Access to Industry Publications and Sources

Stay on top of the latest in lasers! LIA members receive a complimentary subscription to our renowned bi-monthly newsletter. Available in print or online, LIA TODAY features critical details such as information about upcoming conferences and events and features on interesting developments within the laser community.

Members also receive a complimentary subscription to the peer-reviewed Journal of Laser Applications. This internationally recognized publication features articles on specific laser applications and is known as an invaluable resource for laser professionals. In addition, LIA members enjoy special member rates on LIA publications available in the online store.

Lasers Today is the trusted source for blogs and articles regarding the latest in lasers and breaking LIA updates. Subscribe to the blog for email updates on the LasersToday.com home page, or follow us on Facebook for updates posted socially.

LIA TODAY features critical details such as happenings within LIA, information about upcoming conferences and events, and as well as features on interesting developments within the laser community.

2. LIA Members Receive Discounts on Educational Materials

Special member rates are available to LIA members for the purchase of essential laser applications publications and safety training guides and videos. These resources are great for any laser professional looking to improve upon their technical or safety knowledge.

LIA members also receive discounts on our Laser Safety Training Courses. Members can take advantage of special rates on Laser Safety Officer training and other fundamental courses, giving each participating LSO a leg up on their laser safety knowledge. This can mean major savings in the long run, should you wish to continue your laser safety training over time (and we recommend you do!).

LIA members also receive discounts on our Laser Safety Training Courses.

3. LIA Members Enjoy Reduced Registration Costs for Conferences and Seminars

One of LIA’s major cornerstones is its involvement and leadership in industry conferences and seminars. While these events are worth every penny, members receive significant discounts on registration costs.

With the inaugural Industrial Laser Conference and ICALEO® right around the corner, it has never been a better time to become a member. LIA conferences and seminars are known for their informational panels and networking opportunities, with many guests returning year after year. You do not want to miss out on the opportunity to be in attendance (and save a few dollars!) this year.

With the inaugural Industrial Laser Conference and ICALEO® right around the corner, it has never been a better time to become a member.

4. LIA Members Receive Networking Opportunities

Any event, conference, or seminar associated with LIA will likely bring you face to face with the foremost industry leaders, researchers, and notable figures involved in lasers. The Laser Additive Manufacturing Workshop (LAM®), ILSC®, and other occasions throughout the year help to connect the dots within the industry, and allow you to put a face with a name.

Most of LIA’s conferences have specific networking features, providing built in time where professionals can mingle and connect in between formal sessions. Who knows? Perhaps you will find your next star employee, research partner, or valuable mentor at one of our events!

5. LIA Membership Can Advance Your Career as a Laser Industry Professional

By attending LIA events, taking advantage of available courses, and reading industry publications, your laser knowledge will expand with your LIA membership. LIA also offers ample volunteer opportunities that may land you face time with future employers, colleagues, and partners. The LIA name carries weight within the laser community. The affiliation alone could potentially lend you credibility as a laser professional. You never know who you may meet at ICALEO or LME leading to life-changing opportunities.

By attending LIA events, taking advantage of available courses, and reading industry publications, your laser knowledge will expand with your LIA membership.

Interested in joining the premier educational and networking resource for laser professionals? To learn more about LIA membership, fill out an application, or find information on individual membership costs, please visit us at www.lia.org/membership .

 Be sure to check out information about upcoming conferences, including the Industrial Laser Conference and ICALEO, through our Lasers Today posts.

AdlOptica GmbH – August’s Featured Corporate Member

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Known for its versatile refractive laser beam shaping optics, AdlOptica GmbH provides technology that aids both industrial and scientific techniques. With a small team of experts that make up the company’s singular location in Berlin, Germany, AdlOptica GmbH’s reach extends globally, providing refractive beam shapers and special optics for a wide range of industries.

Named after Adlershof, Germany’s premier science and technology park, AdlOptica GmbH was founded in 2010 by its current owners, Vadim Laskin and Dr. Alexander Laskin. With the main goal of developing, manufacturing and promoting the company’s refractive beam shaping optics, the company has grown over the years, successfully creating a collection of more than 60 beam shaping product models.

AdlOptica GmbH’s expertly efficient piShaper, pShaper®, models can transform the intensity distribution of Gaussian TEM00 or multimode laser beams to flat-top – both uniform and top-hat – as well as inverse-Gauss and other profiles. This product line’s wide spectrum, which ranges from ultraviolet (UV) to Long Wavelength Infrared (LWIR), is accompanied by a power that spans milliwats to kilowatts. With continuous wave and ultra-short pulse lasers, the models offer users a narrow spectral band and achromatic spot sizes that can expand from microns and centimeters to meters. These versatile products also provide a low sensitivity to misalignment, which ensures that piShapers easily and efficiently integrate into users’ existing equipment and research installations. Whether in industrial or scientific applications, AdlOptica GmbH’s family of piShaper products serve as solutions for a variety of laser techniques – from micromachining, welding and cladding, to the manufacturing of solar cells, florescence and confocal microscopy and even holography.

With the success of these products, the company’s Research & Development team remains dedicated to monitoring industry requirements and developing new beam shapers to meet changing needs. Most recently, the company has developed multi-focus optics, foXXus, which optimize energy distribution in industrial techniques and use the ever-growing power of modern lasers to optimize the productivity of material processing.

Constantly vigilant of the changing needs in the industry, the company works to improve processes for numerous markets. Based on growth within the industry over the years, AdlOptica GmbH also added aThermoXX to its product offerings. As athermalized protective windows, aThermoXX products improve welding and selective laser melting technologies through the reduction or elimination of the negative thermal effects that occur with the use of high power industrial lasers.

Additionally, since its inception, AdlOptica GmbH has recognized the switch to higher imaging resolution in micromachining techniques, as well as the growth of laser power and brightness. The company has answered the latter demand through its products, which convert high power to high productivity in various processes. AdlOptica GmbH also meets the need for the wide use of multimode fiber lasers and fiber-coupled solid-state and diode lasers by offering beam shaping optics that can be used efficiently with both types of lasers.

A member of Laser Institute of America (LIA) since 2011, AdlOptica GmbH appreciates the organization’s community of professional users and developers in industrial laser technologies and the ease with which members can communicate with their fellow industry professionals in the welcoming environment of LIA events.

For more information, visit www.adloptica.com.