Laser scanning solutions provider Scanlab (Puchheim, Germany) has acquired Next Scan Technology, the first to introduce a polygon-based scanner system compatible with high-power ultrafast lasers. The two firms together will offer differing, yet highly integrable polygon system approaches to ultra-short-pulse (USP) laser processing. Next Scan Technology will retain its operational site in Evergem (near Ghent, Belgium).
USP lasers are ideal for ultra-precise micromachining of diverse materials because cold ablation allows particularly fine, targeted material removal. To achieve industrial-scale productivity, USP lasers are best combined with ultrafast scanners—e.g., a polygon scanner. These scanners are advantageous for line-oriented full-surface processing of workpieces—at fine resolutions and with freely definable patterns and structures. Thanks to their high speed, these systems can considerably slash material processing times.
“Amid rising demand for polygon scanners, Next Scan Technology needed to increase manufacturing capacity and set up worldwide sales, marketing, and customer services, while strengthening its management team. Scanlab's global infrastructure and operational excellence makes it a perfect match to address new market opportunities—via smart crossover designs using galvo, polygon, and mirror F-theta technology,” comments Next Scan Technology managing director Lars Penning on the future collaboration. “Together, we'll offer the best of both worlds in scanner systems for challenging high-throughput applications.”
For more information, please visit www.scanlab.de.