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25 March 2015

ROFIN introduces StarFemto

Ultrashort pulse (USP) laser sources offer revolutionary precision in laser micro and sub-micro processing in the µm and sub-µm range. ‘Cold’ material processing with USP lasers is the door opener to new applications. However, short pulse widths are only one part of the story for industrial manufacturing processes which focus on cost of ownership, maximum productivity and production yield. Like every other production tool, ultrashort pulse lasers have to provide high quality results with maximum reliability. Robustness and global on-site support are vital factors, as well as easy system integration. This is where the new StarFemto offers outstanding advantages.

ROFIN has developed the next generation USP laser platform using over a decade of comprehensive ultrashort pulse application experience.

The StarFemto achieves excellent results in high-precision cutting, surface structuring, drilling and marking of almost any kind of material without any thermal damage.

Hybrid MOPA made in Germany
ROFIN’s Hybrid Master Oscillator Power Amplifier (MOPA) design offers the best of two worlds. It combines the robustness, high repetition rate and beam quality of fiber lasers with the power scalability of rod lasers. The StarFemto, which is available in 3 versions, E, M and L, offers 700 - 800 fs pulses at an average power of 20 W and with repetition rates of up to 2 MHz. Within the entire pulse repetition range the selection of single pulses (Pulse-on-Demand) is possible. The advanced Hybrid MOPA design is the basis for ROFIN’s new StarFemto, which has been developed and is manufactured in Germany.

Optimised process quality and productivity
The unique, patent protected Burst Mode helps to achieve even higher ablation rates and better surface quality. Instead of single pulses, the laser creates bursts of several femtosecond pulses with programmable energy and shape, which can modify how the beam energy is absorbed in the material. Burst Mode also enables fast cutting of brittle materials with SmartCleave™ FI technology.

The StarFemto can be operated with a wide range of pulse energies and frequencies up to 2 MHz and rapidly change its parameter settings according to the application requirements. This allows operation of the USP process at the ideal setup for optimized quality and highest throughput.

Hermetically sealed, compact monolithic housing
With its robust design, the StarFemto is perfectly suited for industrial production environments. Machined out of a single block of aluminum, the laser head features hermetically sealed compartments for the sensitive components. With only 670 x 360 x 212 mm³ the StarFemto laser head is one of the most compact fs lasers for material processing available on the market.

Easy system integration and maintenance
As an industrial tool, the StarFemto fulfills industrial standards and offers interfaces for easy system integration, control and maintenance. Pump diodes or modules can easily be changed on-site within a few hours. Several integration packages are available for cutting, drilling, ablating, surface engraving and marking applications.

ROFIN - the industrial ultrashort pulse laser partner with global reach
System uptime is a key metric in industrial production. ROFIN combines superior technological expertise with global on-site support and service, providing remote support as well as preventive maintenance. The new StarFemto represents an excellent ultrashort pulse laser source, enabling the leading ultrashort pulse laser solution for industrial manufacturing.

Image: laser glass cutting
 


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