nLIGHT, Inc.

For this #WeekendReading, we revisit an article from our Autumn 2024 issue🏷️ In the race to improve the productivity of PBF-LB Additive Manufacturing, machine OEMs have generally taken the path of adding more lasers. 👉 nLIGHT, Inc. takes the view that it’s not necessarily just more lasers that are needed, but beam-shaping lasers. By using dynamic beam shaping technology, significant increases in the productivity, stability and metallurgical capabilities of PBF-LB have been demonstrated. Given the technology’s recent commercial success, with adoption by Aconity3D GmbH, AMCM GmbH, EOS and DMG MORI, we asked the nLIGHT team to review beam shaping technology and its potential impact on the AM industry. 📑 Read the full article online: https://lnkd.in/gv_C5iuA 📥Want more like this? Download our latest issue for free: https://lnkd.in/gBj2jij9 #additivemanufacturing #3dprinting #nLIGHT #PBF-LB Rob Martinsen Alex Kingsbury Dr Tyson Lowder Dr Dahv Kliner

Built to Keep Running – How nLIGHT Lasers Master Back-Reflections In industrial manufacturing, unexpected downtime is the enemy. It’s not just about the cost of a failed component, it’s about stalled production lines, missed deadlines, and repair chaos under pressure. That’s why the architecture behind a laser system matters more than many realize. At nLIGHT, Inc. every design decision in laser sources follows one guiding principle: keep the laser running. And that includes one of the most underestimated threats in fiber laser processing, back-reflections. Traditional multi-kW fiber lasers often struggle with back-reflected light, especially during the processing of reflective metals. These reflections can destabilize or even damage internal optics, leading to downtime and expensive service events. An nLIGHT laser is different. It integrates an advanced back-reflection isolation system directly into the laser architecture, not as an optional add-on, but as a fundamental part of the platform. Here’s what sets it apart: ▶️ Internally integrated, actively cooled isolator, engineered for full-power operation. ▶️ No external optics needed, no additional failure points. ▶️ Industrial-grade reliability, even during continuous processing of reflective materials. This means: even in the harshest conditions, even at full power, the laser keeps running. That’s not a feature, it’s a mindset. In industries like automotive, electronics, and e-mobility, copper and aluminum are everywhere and notoriously difficult to laser. nLIGHT lasers process highly reflective metals continuously, reliably, and without compromise. Our customers cut and weld copper every day, without fearing system instability or optical damage. When you factor in avoided downtime, lower maintenance overhead, and higher process stability, the long-term ROI becomes clear: ✔️ Buy once. Run longer. Sleep better. #LaserTechnology #FiberLasers #IndustrialManufacturing #CopperProcessing #Uptime #nLIGHT #ProcessReliability #SmartInvestments #NoDowntime

More Control. Better Quality. The nLIGHT® AFX – The Programmable Laser for Demanding Welding Applications The nLIGHT, Inc. AFX Series is an innovative fiber laser source specifically designed for demanding laser applications such as laser welding of thin metal sheets. What makes the AFX unique is its dynamically programmable beam profiles – from single-mode to various ring profiles. This allows the laser beam to be adjusted in real-time to meet the specific requirements of the welding process. It offers maximum flexibility for manufacturers who need precise, clean, and stable welds, even with changing materials and complex component geometries. Especially in the hydrogen sector – for instance, in sensitive components like bipolar plates – process stability is essential. Thin materials and tight tolerances place high demands on the laser process. The programmable beam shaping of the AFX enables precise control of the energy input: for each welding task, the optimal beam profile can be selected – and adjusted in real-time during the process. The nLIGHT® AFX Series delivers power from 1.0 to 2 kW and is perfectly suited for high-precision welding applications. Additional key features include: ➡️Dynamically programmable beam profiles for maximum process control ➡️Real-time adjustment of the beam shape during the process ➡️Reduced spatter and porosity for highest weld quality ➡️Robust back-reflection resistance for processing highly reflective materials ➡️Optimized process stability specifically for e-mobility applications With the AFX, you rely on maximum precision and flexibility – the foundation for sustainable, reproducible, and efficient manufacturing in e-mobility and beyond. #LaserWelding #EMobility #FiberLaser #ProcessStability #AFXTechnology