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JDSU, Amada co-develop high-power fiber laser

JDSU, a provider of optical products for the communications, commercial, and consumer markets in Milpitas, Calif., has collaborated with Amada, Buena Park, Calif., to develop a new, high-power, 4-kW fiber laser. The laser has been integrated into a new sheet metal cutting system that Amada plans to start selling to the Japanese market in May 2011, followed by a global market introduction in June 2011.

The laser provides the ability to cut materials such as copper, brass, titanium, and nonmetals that cannot be cut effectively with traditional CO2 lasers. Combined with the Amada high-speed linear-drive system, the laser will cut thin sheets of stainless steel and aluminum at a linear speed that is 2.5 to 3 times faster than cutting speeds achieved with traditional CO2-based cutting systems, according to the manufacturer.

Features of the fiber laser include flexible beam delivery; reduced electrical power consumption, footprint, and maintenance costs; and the ability to focus the beam effectively from a long working distance.