Monthly updates for experts in manufacturing, R&D, product development. All rights reserved.

(Article courtesy Photonics Spectra; reading time 3 min.)

PROMISING 2008 PHOTONICS INDUSTRY
SALARY SURVEY
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Salaries up, industry survey concludes.

A salary survey done by Laurin Publishing
for 2008 bodes well for the industry. Last year's
salaries overall have kept pace with inflation,
showing a 4% increase over 2007. Other hear-
tening statistics include a job satisfaction rate
of 75%.

The results are based on over 3000 respon-
dents and include que stions related to salary,
primary focus of work, reasons for conside-
ring or leaving a job, etc. The figures shown
are represented as averages, percentages
or Yes/No responses.


 Fig.1  Compensation by job description

  
 Fig.2  Hours worked in           Fig.3  Compensation by
           a typical week                         degree



 Fig.4  Are you job hunting?    Fig.5  Do you travel
                                                       for your job?


 Fig.6  Are you satisfied         Fig.7  Do you receive
           with your job?                       stock options?


  Fig.8  Compensation by primary end product

 
 Fig.9  Compensation by experience                         


 Fig.10  Level of education.                                       



 Fig.11  Primary focus of work 




 Fig.12  Survey results.                                                                       top ^

(Written by Russell Denton, A-1 Laser Intl.; reading time 2 min.)

MEET YOUR REPRESENTATIVE
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We are happy to announce the addition of Armando Casanova to our team at A1-Laser International. Until recently he was building a US-bridgehead for Switzerland-based micromachining equipment manufacturer Swiss Tec in his capacity as VP Sales & Marketing.


 Fig.1  A-1 Laser Intl. Representative Armando Casanova.

Now our Regional Representative for the East Coast, located in Flo-
rida, Armando will focus on how he can best support manufacturers
in various industries with their unique needs for laser system integra-
tion.

Why is this of importance to you? Because Armando can lend valuable support to your engineering team in its task to identify the
right components and capabilities required for your machining appli-
cation(s).

Because the knowledge base and experience at A-1 Laser Interna-
tional covers the development of machining system solutions and the integration of a range of industrial laser sources: From conventional YAG to state-of-the-art fiber and disc lasers to ultrafast-pulsed (UFP) lasers, for both rotational and flatbed systems. A-1 Laser International has you covered from 266nm thru 1552nm wavelength.

Who are typical A1-Laser Intl. customers? Satisfied customers include manufacturing companies, large and small, in the medical device, automotive, aerospace and electronics (solar cell scribing) industries. A-1 Laser International has installed over 200 stent and hypotube systems worldwide.

Contact Armando today at 786-269-6434 or armando@a1laser.net
to make an appointment and discuss your upcoming or present requirements for machining parts. Challenge him with ultra-high tolerance requirements, high repeatability rates and very competitive cost. Or visit the company website to ask for immediate shipment
of a 'Proof of Performance' sample for an application within your
range of interest.
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(Written by Armando Casanova, A-1 Laser Intl.; reading time 3 min.)

PREVIEW MD&M WEST 2009: LASER SYSTEM INTEGRATION,
FROM MACRO- TO MICRO-MACHINING APPLICATIONS
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Booth 580: The one-stop shop for your laser system integration needs!

Take your manufacturing equipment requirements to our team of expert integrators and critical system component suppliers:

A-1 Laser International (www.a1laser.net) is dedicated to being a premier integrator of custom prime solutions for laser-based machining applications, both macro and micro. Over 200 micro-tube (stent) cutting systems placed worldwide.

Fig.1  Laser machining            system solution.	Fig.2  Parts process software            to generate CNC code.

Specialization in high-performing, custom-made cutting, drilling, scribing systems (speed, accuracy, repeatability) at very competitive prices, e.g. combination systems, multi-platform systems, multiple laser systems. Full after-sales support and training of operating staff.

Extensive expertise in fully integrating a wide range of laser technologies, including Q-switched and frequency multiplied YAG, solid state DPSS, disk, CW/pulsed fiber, low-power (UV), ultrafast-pulse lasers (wavelength range from 266nm /UV to 10640nm/farIR). Official distributor of CagilaTM process software.

Fig.3  Kerf size of 75ym with no             HAZ on medical grade SS cut             with ultrafast-pulse laser.

Recent developments include ultrafast-pulsed laser source integration for challenging applications for micromachining of polyamide, silicon, metal alloys (NiTinol, CoCr) and biodegradable materials, both for rotary and flatbed systems (multi-platform system: Rotary and flatbed motion control in one stage - see also press release of Dec 08).


Precitec (www.precitec.com) is a leading supplier of processing heads with high-grade optical components for CO2 and solid-state lasers. Additional components for vertical adjustment, beam bending and camera observation with integrated lighting.

Fig.4  Precitec fine cutting head.

In the field of laser cutting, Precitec recently introduced further development of its fine cutting system with integrated camera monitoring. This system has a laser performance of up to 500W
and is used for high-precision applications, like the cutting of stents. Clearance widths of approx. 10 µm can be realized with corresponding beam quality. The system comes with adjustable coaxial LED lighting, which provides optimal illumination even during the cutting process and has an optically-optimized system for camera monitoring.


Prenovatec (www.prenovatec.de) is a leading German manufacturer of disk lasers. The company specializes in the development and production of disk lasers for industrial use in production and manufacturing.

Fig.3  Prenovatec disk laser.

These laser systems are utilized for applications presenting a challenge with regard to precision, process stability and output (see also editorial article).


Raydiance (www.raydiance-inc.com)is the supplier of the world's first practical ultrafast light source. Enabled by microelectronics, software, and telecom technology, the Discovery UFP laser provides a versatile platform for both innovation and commercial applications.

Fig.4  The world's first practical Ultrafast Pulse Laser            by Raydiance.

Enabled by rugged telecommunications fiber optic technology, Discovery is packaged into a compact, reliable and intelligent architecture with state of the art computing and software controls.

Plug 'n' play operation, true "cold ablation" of any material, high precision machining (micron resolution), ready integration with CNC and third party LabVIEW applications, user controllable pulse energy, rep rate, and pulse "packets".

Join the upcoming Raydiance Webinar on Wednesday, Feb. 11,
11 am (PT): Practical Ultrafast Pulse Laser - A 21st Century Tool for 21st Century Materials Applications. Scott Davison, president of Raydiance, will discuss how practical ultrafast technology is trans-forming 21st century materials applications (register here for Webinar).


NUTEC (www.nutec.com) is focused on the design and manufacture of precision positioning and motion equipment for OEM and end users.

The company specializes in servo controlled system components for demanding applications, e.g. vacuum, difficult environment, high precision performance, complex systems, extreme servo performance or low cost high volume.

Fig.5  LINEAX-4® high performance stage by NUTEC.

One example is the LINEAX-4®, a supremely compact linear motor actuated stage suitable for applications where reliable precision positioning and high acceleration are desirable characteristics and limited space is available.


 Visit the official show site at www.md&mwest.com to register for your free admission tickets.

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