Aerotech opens state-of-the-art laser laboratory in Fürth – the future of manufacturing!

Aerotech opens state-of-the-art laser laboratory in Fürth – the future of manufacturing!

Aerotech has opened a new laser laboratory in Fürth, which represents a significant expansion of its capacity at the site. The initiative aims to optimize the possibilities for industrial testing of precision and laser processes under realistic production conditions. With over 50 years of experience in developing high-precision positioning and automation systems for high-tech industries, Aerotech is well positioned in international competition. Machinery market reports that this laboratory offers European customers the opportunity to test and adapt their laser-based manufacturing processes directly on site.

“What’s behind it all?” you might ask. The lab enables collaboration with customers to demonstrate and further develop applications in a realistic environment. The team, led by Dipl.-Ing. Oliver Hentschel, not only offers extensive testing, but also uses a state-of-the-art ultra-short pulse laser system from Light Conversion, which was specifically developed for complex applications in semiconductor, electronics and medical device manufacturing.

Technological highlights and future vision

The powerful carbide laser used in Aerotech's new laser laboratory has an output of 80 W and covers wavelengths of 1030, 515 and 343 nm. These impressive specifications enable micro-machining processes with minimal thermal inputs, which is particularly important for applications in medical technology, semiconductor manufacturing and the aerospace sector. Fraunhofer IWS highlights that such high-precision processes contribute significantly to the miniaturization of functional elements in mechanical and device engineering as well as in biotechnology and medical technology.

The laser laboratory not only offers the opportunity to test Aerotech components together, but is also equipped with a Keyence VHX-X1 digital microscope, which enables magnification of up to 2000x. This is crucial for the precise measurement of samples and supports Aerotech's ambitious research and development goals.

Community and capacity expansion

Aerotech is aware of the growing demand for innovative manufacturing technologies and therefore has plans to continuously expand the laboratory space from the current 50 square meters over the next two years. In addition, an assembly line for drive and control components will be set up in Fürth in order to be able to respond better to the needs of the market. These steps are intended to develop the laser laboratory into a European center of excellence for micromaterial processing, which appears promising for the future of manufacturing in the region.

With all of these new developments, Aerotech impressively shows how the combination of state-of-the-art technology and practical application helps to shape the manufacturing processes of tomorrow. The exchange with customers and partners on the way from the feasibility study to series production could prove to be the key to success.