together. That means the whole thing is far more rugged and maintenance-free. The diodes last for many tens of thou- sands of hours. The diodes we use are called single-emitter diodes—they’re pretty much telecom diodes on steroids, with a lifetime in the six-figure range,” he said, noting that IPG makes “all our own diodes and all our own fibers.”


Improving the System


While using diode-powered fiber lasers to anneal or ‘dark-mark’ medical metals is a mature technology in many ways, the providers of these systems are active in finding ways to make im- provements for their customers. Schmidt Marking Systems, for example, offers the Alpha laser system enclosure—a cabinet with a 22" (559-mm) wide pneumatic stainless steel door, according to Schmidt’s Dave Noonan. The enclosure has a powered Z-axis for automatic height variance and a removable side panel for access to the laser head and lens. It can be equipped with rotary devices, vision systems or part feeders and can be fully customized for larger part configurations. “We do custom cabinets and custom automation as well,” Noonan said. “One customer recently needed us to make an enclosure that was large enough to hold a hospital bed. The most requested bit of automation we’re asked for is a door that opens automatically when the marking cycle is done so the operator doesn’t have to wonder if the process is finished. It also alleviates repetitive motion concerns.” At Amada Miyachi America, they’ve


moved from working in two dimen- sions to three. “The basic configuration has always been a 2D marking field. Now, as technology has improved, we’re able to look at multiple levels, incorporating motion with that, marking


See the video!


around curved surfaces,” Boyle said. “Let’s use a trocar as an example.” The trocar is a hollow rod that is used in surgeries, with laser-marked guidelines that show how far the surgeons are


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June 2015 | AdvancedManufacturing.org 67


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