February 2--IPG Photonics received an order from a Tier One automotive supplier for 10 1000W fiber lasers used to cut hydroform parts. After undergoing more than a year of extensive head-to-head production testing, the parts supplier selected IPG's all solid-state fiber lasers to replace diode-pumped crystal rod lasers previously used by the customer. The units are expected to be delivered inthe first quarter of 2007.
"Our Tier One customer decided to retrofit its robotic cutting cells because of the lower labor, parts, electrical and maintenance expenses associated with IPG's advanced kilowatt fiber lasers, along with their high reliability, as proven through a long field trial," said Bill Shiner, director of industrial markets at IPG.
Hydroform parts, shaped by ultra-high pressure water, are widely used as structural components in trucks and SUVs and provide many advantages over parts alternatives, such as stamping and welding.