From consultation to support: Ensuring success with tailored laser solutions

In this issue of Industrial Process News, we are pleased to features Laser Lines Ltd as our Industrial and Scientific Laser Technologies Supplier Company of the Month.

Founded in 1975, Laser Lines Ltd has grown into a leading UK supplier in the laser and additive manufacturing sectors. The company now represents over 20 suppliers and offers a full suite of services, including end-to-end solutions, training, installation, maintenance, and repair. They also provide subcontract 3D printing and additive manufacturing services.

Laser Lines Ltd is committed to delivering tailored solutions for diverse sectors such as university research, automotive production, tooling, and product design with a focus on enhancing efficiency with cutting-edge technology and innovation.

Moreover, conventional welding systems like MIG and TIG, which were once manual tasks, have evolved with the advent of robotic automation. Today, lasers can be employed both manually and robotically, offering a superior alternative to these older technologies. By adopting laser processes, manufacturers benefit from significantly lower heat input during welding, allowing for precise control and minimal deformation when working with materials of varying thicknesses. This results in a more controlled, repeatable, and efficient welding process.

David Earl, Business Manager at Laser Lines stated, “Laser Technology represents the cornerstone of our business. We offer an extensive array of laser solutions, including laser markers, welders, turnkey systems, standalone lasers, accessories, and components. Our portfolio features esteemed brands such as Sisma, the Italian manufacturer of marking and welding laser systems; LC Lasers, the Spanish producer of handheld laser welders and cleaners; Novanta, the American specialist in CO2 lasers and galvo scanners for cutting and converting; and Laserline, the German innovator in high-power diode lasers designed for integration into welding, brazing, cladding, and hardening production cells. Additionally, we provide industrial-grade nanosecond, picosecond, and femtosecond laser sources from Fluence Technology and Photonics Industries, along with laser power measurement accessories from Gentec-EO.”

Earlier this year, Laser Lines Ltd established a partnership with LC Lasers, based in Barcelona. LC Lasers specialises in handheld laser welding systems with outputs up to 1.5kW, capable of welding stainless steel up to 6mm thick with minimal heat input. They also produce handheld laser cleaning systems with up to 500W power, designed for surface cleaning of both organic and inorganic materials.

Laser Lines Ltd has invested in both types of systems and now offers in-house demonstrations. Customers are invited to bring their own materials to experience welding or cleaning firsthand.

In a different arena, Fluence Technology, another partner of Laser Lines Ltd that specialises in femtosecond lasers, has showcased how their Jasper laser’s exceptionally short 250fs pulses enhance the ablation efficiency of metals such as stainless steel and titanium. These ultrashort pulses enable precise cutting and drilling without causing melting or thermal effects.

We asked David what trends the company is observing within the industries that use its products, “We serve a diverse customer base, from small subcontractors to large multinational companies across various industries, including Aerospace and Agriculture. While there is always a need for cost-effective small systems, recent trends show a growing demand for advanced solutions. These include laser marking systems with coaxial vision and pattern matching to eliminate fixturing and human error, as well as laser welding systems that use galvo scanners to track and weld complex paths. Additionally, many customers are seeking high-quality improvements through shorter pulse lasers for precise applications.”

We then asked how they face common customer challenges, “We listen to our customers’ requirements and make it our priority to provide the best available solutions. By partnering with leading suppliers from around the world and always looking out for innovative manufacturers that we can add to our portfolio, we ensure that we can deliver cutting-edge products that meet the evolving needs of our customers.

For example, when a prospective customer approaches with a need for laser marking or welding, we first assess their requirements and conduct application trials to identify the best solution based on speed and budget. After selecting the ideal system, we ensure prompt delivery and arrange for a trained laser engineer to install and train them. If any issues arise, our engineers provide phone support and promptly address problems on-site. Our strong customer retention and repeat business reflect our commitment to exceptional support throughout the sales and after-sales process.”

Laser Lines also offers Additive Manufacturing Solutions. They have been partnered with Stratasys, a global leader in 3D printing technology for 30 years, and they offer a comprehensive range of their technologies, including FDM, PolyJet, SAF, DLP, and SLA. Our offerings also include cost-effective metal 3D printers from Xact Metal, FDM printers from UltiMaker, and advanced postprocessing systems from DyeMansion.

For more information, please see below: T 01295 672500info@laserlines.co.ukhttps://www.laserlines.co.uk