Scottsdale, AZ--Universal Laser Systems, manufacturer of CO2 lasers and laser systems, has been awarded U.S. Patent No. 7,060,934 for its High Power Density Focusing Optics (HPDFO) that effectively increases the power density of a CO2 laser beam to produce the effects of a much higher power laser. The effective spot size produced by HPDFO can be as small as one-quarter the size of the spot produced by a standard 2.0 inch focusing lens.
HPDFO consists of two parts: the beam expander assembly and the high resolution optics assembly. "HPDFO achieves dramatically improved resolution for applications requiring extremely fine detail," said Chris Risser, Universal's Product Development Manager. "Depending on the application material, you can engrave smaller text, produce higher resolution graphics, cut thinner lines, and produce deeper cuts with the same laser power."
HPDFO makes it possible to directly mark some uncoated metals, such as stainless steel, cold rolled steel, iron, titanium, and some types of chrome without the assistance of metal marking chemical compounds or coatings. Depending on the application material, HPDFO further makes it possible to produce graphics with up to 1,000 dpi of optical resolution and vector cut lines with 0.010 inch kerf thickness. HPDFO is compatible with Universal Laser Systems' VersaLaser, Professional and XL Series laser systems, and retrofit kits are available for some older models.
For more information, see www.ulsinc.com.