IPG Photonics Launches Cobot Laser Welding and Cleaning System

Automating Repetitive Steps Helping Companies

Improve Productivity and Reduce Operating Costs

MARLBOROUGH, Mass., May 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IPG Photonics Corporation (NASDAQ: IPGP), the world leader in fiber laser solutions, today announced the launch of an automated cobot laser welding and cleaning system for fabrication and manufacturing industries.

Turnkey Laser Automation Made Easy
The new cobot is a fully automated, laser welding and cleaning system which can be configured with any existing and future LightWELD welding laser source. It expands IPG Photonics’ industry leading LightWELD family of portable laser welders. Cobots, also called collaborative robots, are industrial robots which work with humans often for tasks that require precision, repeatable results or to streamline repetitive tasks. IPG Photonics’ cobot laser production system makes automating welding jobs easy for fabricators regardless of experience with cobots or laser processing. Designed and delivered as a turnkey laser system, welders and shop owners benefit from simple installation and setup, to enable production in as little as just one day.

All-in-One Cobot Laser Welding & Cleaning System
The LightWELD Cobot System is comprised of an industrial base with the LightWELD laser source, system controls, a 1 x 1.5 m work surface, drag-and-drop operator user interface, and long-reaching cobot arm which holds the LightWELD gun. As with standalone LightWELD products, the system is also capable of switching between laser welding and laser cleaning in just seconds by simply changing the nozzle with no tools required. The system is also fully compatible with the LightWELD wire feeder, which further expands the system capability.

Effortless Part Programming
Regardless of prior cobot experience, welders are able to teach the cobot with manual guidance in just minutes and control all system functionality from a single graphical user interface which requires no coding knowledge. Cobot motion and LightWELD parameters are easily accessed, as are the built-in editable presets for optimized welding and cleaning. The welder can test and simulate the programmed processing ahead of beginning a job, which ensures results are as expected. This significantly reduces scrap and the need for rework due to the precision and consistency of the cobot motion system and reliability of the LightWELD laser source.