Kern Femto E3 is an ultra-short pulse laser machining center based on a reliable Kern machine platform and equipped with state-of-the-art laser control software. It is designed for precise surface processing of small and medium size parts.
While manufacturing, the surfaces are measured and the ablation power of the laser beam is adjusted. This permits highest accuracies on the part. While in use, the position of the laser beam in the scan field and the laser power are automatically calibrated. The result is an excellent repeatability and long-term stability of the machine. Working with laser makes defined free-form geometries and fine structures on almost any material possible. Smallest edge radii < 5 µm can be achieved and extremely thin layers < 0.3 µm can be ablated. Since no mechanical tool is used, there are no tooling costs or processing forces. The technology is therefore suitable for processing a wide range of technical materials, especially very hard materials or sensitive parts. This machine concept was developed in a collaboration between Kern Microtechnik GmbH and Lightmotif B.V.. It combines Kern's experience in high precision engineering with Lightmotif's expertise in laser micromachining.
Automated spot and power measurement
Detecting and calibrating spot position, focus position and laser power Integrated measurement systems in the workspace record the focus position and the power of the laser beam as well as the X and Y position across the entire scan field. Deviations of spot position and laser power are detected and calibrated directly on the part in a stable process. Thermal influences are compensated. The results are highest accuracies on the part as well as stability and repeatable long-term results.
Adaptive Machining
For highest accuracy on the part Laser machining removes material layer-by-layer. Adaptive Machining realizes the entire automatic measurement of the actual abrasion of the material - even during machining. The measurement results are compared with the target contour and further machining is adapted accordingly. This provides automatic compensation and reduces errors. It is possible to machine the tiniest shape tolerances. The immediate availability of the measurement results provides information about the quality of the part and the long-term stability of the process.
Availability of reports in real time
Temperature changes lead to changes in positioning and power of the laser beam. These deviations are being recognized and automatically compensated by the machine. All data, measurements, deviation and compensation are available in real time after machining. This log provides valuable information about the quality of the machining result. In addition to detailed information about the machining time, these specifications are displayed.
Technical Data
Linear axes Max. workpiece size X/Y/Z: 170/210/160 mm Max. clamping weight: 35 kg
Pivot and rotational axes Max. workpiece size D/L: 85/65 mm Rotary axis: 360° Swifel axis: 120° Max. clamping weight: 5 kg Accuracies (VDI/DGQ 3441) Positioning accuracy P: < 2 µm Repeatability Ps: < 1 µm Scanner Scan field: 50x50 mm Spot size laser: infrared 30 µm / green 20 µm Scanning speeds of several m/s possible High dynamics and precision
Laser specification Manufacturer: Amplitude Laser Group Model: Satsuma HP² Laser power: 20 W Puls duration: 350 fs – 10 ps Repetition rate: up to 40 MHz Central wave length: infrared, 1030 ±5 nm Optional by frequency doubling: green, 515 nm Dimensions and weight Total weight: 3.200 kg Min. space requirement B/T/H: 1,5 x 1,5 x 2,2 mKern Microtechnik