PLYMOUTH, MI--The Fraunhofer Center for Laser Technology, a research laboratory that develops manufacturing applications for lasers, has acquired a MobiLAS laser system from Schuler Inc. (Canton, MI).

The center studies cutting, welding and surface treatment applications for CO2, Nd:YAG, excimer and high-power diode lasers. Equipped with $7 million in state-of-the-art laser equipment, the center assists manufacturers with process development, component design and assembly, prototyping, quality assurance, education and training.

The MobiLAS system can be equipped with a 6-kilowatt CO2 laser or a 3-kilowatt Nd:YAG laser. "Flying optics" give the machine a large work envelope and flexible setups. Because of the system's multiaxis capability, the workpieces can be arranged in fixed positions, allowing Fraunhofer's engineers to direct the laser beam to the parts in the most desirable spatial orientation. Alternatively, the parts can be clamped in place on a rotating table and moved around the fixed laser.

For more information on the Fraunhofer center, call 734-354-6300 or visit www.clt.fraunhofer.com. For more information on laser welding equipment, call Schuler at 734-207-7200 or visit www.schulergroup.com.