Kern Femto series

The Kern Femto E3 is a 3-axis femtosecond laser micro-milling system based on a proven high-precision motion platform and state-of-the-art laser micro-machining control software. The system is designed for accurate laser micro-milling of relatively small workpieces, specifically for shaping of stamps and press tools.

The machine is also available with 5 axes, the Kern Femto E5, enabling micromachining and surface texturing on 3D curved parts.

Conceived as production systems, the machines are compact and made for use in a shop floor environment. Optional automation allows (unmanned) stable series production. The system is easy to operate—detailed knowledge of laser processes is not required to use the machine.

The Kern Femto machines were developed in a collaboration between Kern Microtechnik and Lightmotif, combining Kern’s experience in building high precision machines with Lightmotif’s expertise in laser micromachining and control software.

 


Custom systems

For applications where a standard machine doesn’t meet the requirements, we offer customized systems based on a modular reference platform. Our systems use a femto- or picosecond laser, a three-axis or five-axis manipulator, a 2D vector scanning system, and sensor systems for automatic machine and workpiece calibration. This combination, together with tightly integrated control software, enables accurate and fast micromachining, also for larger workpieces.

When customizing a machine for an application (or range of applications) it is important to end up with a machine that truly fits the customer's needs. To make sure we come up with useful specifications, we:

  • combine our expertise in building and using laser micromachining systems with the customer's application knowledge when gathering requirements;

  • perform (or assist with) process / application development if needed;

  • only work with realistic and meaningful specifications;

  • don't promise anything we can't deliver.

We have experience in adding application-specific automation and/or machine vision, as well as building automated (single-purpose) production machines. For the development of the (custom) motion subsystem we work closely together with specialized partners.

 

Control software

Our proprietary control software is specifically designed for step-and-scan laser micromachining and allows high-level and machine independent job programming. Standard CAM toolkits for laser micro-milling and micro-texturing are available. Complex operations are supported, e.g., adaptive micro-milling, and custom / application-specific operations can be added.

 

Service and Support

At Lightmotif we believe good support is just as important as good specifications. We do not merely want a properly functioning machine; we want to make sure it's being used to its full potential. That's why we:

  • are interested to hear from our customers and discuss possible improvements;

  • offer to help setting up a system for new applications, including complicated custom job script programming and/or process development;

  • keep systems up to date by offering software updates;

  • let you talk directly to our engineers when you need help/support.