Civan Lasers proudly announces the opening of two advanced demonstration labs in the United States, strategically located at AMET in Rexburg, Idaho, and Photon Automation  in Detroit, Michigan. These new facilities represent a major step forward in providing North American customers with greater accessibility to Civan’s innovative Dynamic Beam Laser technology. At both locations, clients can experience the transformative capabilities of Dynamic Beam Lasers, designed to redefine laser welding processes. These labs offer hands-on demonstrations and tailored process development, empowering customers to explore the full potential of this groundbreaking technology. Strengthening Civan’s Presence in North America The demonstration labs are integral to Civan Lasers' go-to-market strategy for the North American market. With a robust service and sales infrastructure already in place, the labs mark the final phase of establishing local operations. This expansion enables Civan to offer comprehensive solutions and support, ensuring that customers can seamlessly integrate Dynamic Beam Lasers into their operations. The AMET Partnership in Rexburg, Idaho Civan’s partnership with AMET, a renowned expert in welding machinery, allows the Rexburg facility to offer customers turnkey welding solutions powered by Dynamic Beam Lasers. Visitors to this location can develop customized welding processes and explore how this technology can address their specific challenges. Demo Lab at AMET Photon Automation in Detroit, Michigan In Detroit, Photon Automation—a leader in laser welding solutions with deep expertise in the automotive and electrification - hosts Civan’s second demonstration lab. This facility is strategically positioned to serve Michigan’s vast industrial base, offering customers the opportunity to explore advanced laser applications with the support of Photon Automation’s extensive experience and resources. Demo lab at Photon Automation Revolutionizing Welding with Dynamic Beam Lasers Civan’s Dynamic Beam Laser technology provides unmatched control over beam shaping, enabling innovative solutions for challenging materials and thick sections. Applications include welding thick copper components, thick stainless steel welds, and large wind tower sections—areas where traditional welding methods are slow and complex.   Comprehensive Turnkey Solutions These demonstration labs go beyond showcasing cutting-edge laser technology. Through collaborations with AMET and Photon Automation, customers gain access to a seamless pathway from process development to full-scale production. The turnkey systems offered at both locations ensure that clients can confidently transition their projects from concept to completion. Civan Lasers’ new demonstration labs underscore the company’s commitment to advancing laser innovation and delivering transformative solutions to the North American market.

Fraunhofer IOSB Acquires 120 kW Dynamic Beam Laser — One of the Most Advanced Lasers in the World Due to Its High Beam Quality — for Research. Civan Lasers is thrilled to announce it has received a purchase order for a groundbreaking 120 kW single-mode dynamic beam laser from Fraunhofer IOSB. This acquisition marks a significant milestone, as the laser is the highest-power single-mode laser currently available on the market. The 120 kW laser was first delivered in 2021 and won the 2022 Laser World of Photonics Innovation Award . The uniqueness of this laser lies not only in its power level but also in its high beam quality and dynamic beam features. These capabilities allow users to tailor the beam profile and power distribution during operation, providing unmatched flexibility and precision in various applications. Designed for industrial use, the laser is compact, with dimensions of just 2 x 2 x 1 m, making it easy to transport and easy to install in different sites with a variety of machine configurations and interfaces. This versatility ensures it can be effectively utilized for a wide range of applications. Since its first deployment in 2021, the laser has been used in welding and other industrial processes. Civan has deployed many high-power lasers for different applications, with power levels ranging from 14 kW to 120 kW. This purchase will enable Fraunhofer IOSB to lead in the research of high-power lasers, opening up new opportunities for exploring innovative applications. The advanced features of this laser, including its high beam quality and dynamic beam shaping capabilities, will provide unparalleled flexibility and precision in research efforts.

Civan Lasers is proud to introduce its new welding head, designed exclusively for our Dynamic Beam Laser. This new product offers a standard solution for welding applications, eliminating the need for additional complex optic delivery systems. Why Choose New Welding Head? The primary reason for developing this welding head is to provide a standardized, hassle-free solution specifically for Civan's Dynamic Beam Laser. By offering a robust and versatile design, it simplifies the process, ensuring that users do not need to invest in or manage complex optical delivery setups. This welding head is engineered to meet the high demands of manufacturing environment. Key Features of Civan's Welding Head Optics Protection : Our welding head ensures the protection of optics used in welding applications. Its sealed design prevents damage from spatter and fumes, extending the lifespan of the optics and maintaining consistent performance. Easy Installation : The welding head is engineered for simplicity, enabling quick and straightforward installation of the Dynamic Beam Laser. This design minimizes the need for optical alignment. Ease of change Focusing Lens : The welding head offers flexibility in focal length, allowing for switching between different focusing lenses to change focal distance and beam diameters with the same lasers. Compact and Robust Design : With dimensions of 736x 445x 344mm and a weight of up to  80Kg (including the galvo scanner), the welding head is both compact and robust. It integrates seamlessly into existing setups without requiring significant modifications. Integrated Coaxial Camera : The built-in coaxial camera enhances monitoring and control, allowing operators to oversee the process in real-time and make necessary adjustments promptly. Optional Sensor Ports : The welding head can come with optional ports equipped with a beam splitter up to custom demand, facilitating the integration of additional sensors. This feature enhances its versatility and functionality, accommodating a wide range of applications. Easy Maintenance : The design includes an easily replaceable protective window, ensuring minimal maintenance efforts and reducing operational interruptions. Thermal Shift Correction : Real time Active correction of thermal lensing in optics maintains precision and accuracy, even during prolonged use, ensuring consistent quality of the welds or AM outputs. Collaboration with SmartMove Civan Lasers and SmartMove have an ongoing collaboration for integrating dynamic beam lasers with their galvo scanner. SmartMove is able to offer the SH30G-ME-LD scanner that can withstand up to 14kW! In addition, they provide a state-of-the-art controller with high accuracy. This collaboration between the companies offers unique features that don't exist in any other solution. The first is the beam orientation capability, and the second is the autofocus correction, which eliminates the need for an F-theta lens and mechanical movement of the focusing lens. The integration of SmartMove technology enhances the functionality and efficiency of Civan's welding head, offering  an invaluable tool for manufacturing processes.

Jerusalem, July 11th, 2024  – Civan Lasers, a leading innovator in laser technology, proudly announces the successful demonstration of remote cutting of 100mm thick steel, a significant advancement for the decommissioning of nuclear plants. The trial utilized a 120kW Dynamic Beam Laser and showcased cutting-edge capabilities in a controlled, safe environment. The demonstration featured a remote cutting operation from a distance of 10 meters, with the laser beam propagating through a pipe in free space for safety reasons. Inside a closed chamber, the beam was redirected using a mirror to cut through the 100mm steel part. This trial highlighted the laser’s ability to cut thick sections from considerable distances, demonstrating potential for operations from tens of meters away , thanks to its exceptional beam quality. Civan Lasers' Dynamic Beam Laser technology boasts several unique features that make it ideal for nuclear plant decommissioning: Scalable Power Levels : Maintains high beam quality even at increased power. Large Depth of Focus : Combined with focus steering, can reach over 100mm, providing precise cutting capabilities. Remote Operation Capability : Enables cutting from a safe distance, reducing the risk of contamination and exposure. "We are excited about the implications of this successful demonstration for the nuclear decommissioning industry," said Ami Spira, VP Marketing at Civan Lasers. "Our Dynamic Beam Laser offers a unique combination of power, precision, and safety, making it an ideal solution for safely dismantling contaminated structures from a distance." The ability to perform remote cutting of thick sections with such precision and efficiency marks a significant step forward in the field of nuclear decommissioning. Civan Lasers continues to push the boundaries of laser technology, offering innovative solutions to complex industrial challenges.

The challenges of welding thick materials have long dictated the pace and approach of industrial manufacturing processes. Traditional methods, reliant on multi-pass welds and beveling, can be exhausting and inefficient. The depth achievable in one pass typically ranges up to 15-20mm, necessitating multiple passes—up to 30 times for a 50mm section—making the process notably time-consuming and material-intensive. In the past year, significant progress have been made by Civan Lasers, who have dedicated their efforts to develop and refine welding processes for thick materials using Dynamic Beam Lasers (DBL). This technology now meets industry standards through the qualification of the welding processes. The Shortcomings of Traditional Welding Traditional multi-pass and beveling methods for welding thick sections are plagued with inefficiencies. These processes often result in increased welding volume, which in turn consumes more time and materials. Common welding defects in such thick sections include spatter, porosity, underfill, concavity, and cracks induced by cooling. These defects primarily arise from issues like keyhole collapse and uncontrolled melt pool dynamics, exacerbated by rapid and uncontrolled cooling rates.   The DBL Advantage Dynamic Beam Lasers introduce a new era in welding technology. DBLs offer unique features that significantly mitigate common welding defects by enhancing fluid dynamics, keyhole stability, weld geometry, and controlling solidification and cooling rates. The technology boasts a large depth of focus and focus steering capabilities as well as beam steering, which enable it to maintain stability over varied gap sizes up to 2mm, crucial for welding thick sections. Furthermore, DBL’s remote operation feature allows welding from meters away, providing protection of the laser optics. Impressive Welding Results Civan Lasers has demonstrated remarkable success in welding applications across various materials and industries. For instance, DBL has shown excellent results in welding mild steel, particularly in constructing ship panels and wind tower structures. In stainless steel, DBL has proven effective for applications in power generation and pressure vessels, showcasing superior strength and durability. Aluminum, particularly in the 5xxx series, has been successfully used in ship panel construction, highlighting DBL’s versatility and capability in handling different materials and applications. Looking Ahead: The Future of DBL Welding The potential for Dynamic Beam Lasers in industrial applications of thick sections is vast and still unfolding. Future plans include qualifying more weld types in thicker thicknesses and wider range of materials. There are plans to harness higher power settings of up to 120kW, pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved in welding technology.

As the battery industry continues to evolve and expand, the demand for batteries capable of handling higher power inputs has surged. This is particularly evident in sectors such as E-planes, E- boats and renewable energy storage. A critical component in achieving these high-power requirements is the use of bus bars, which are essentially conductive bars used to distribute power across different sections of a battery or between batteries. The Shift to Higher Voltage and Thicker Bus Bars To accommodate the need for higher power input, there's been a marked shift towards managing higher voltages within battery systems. This adjustment necessitates the use of thicker bus bars. Thicker bus bars are instrumental in handling the increased electrical load without overheating or losing efficiency. Copper, known for its excellent conductivity and durability, is the material of choice for these bus bars. However, welding thick copper bus bars, especially those above 4 mm in thickness, presents significant challenges.   Challenges in Welding Thick Copper Welding thick copper is a complex task, primarily because most conventional lasers struggle to achieve a robust process that meets the necessary quality standards for such materials. The challenges are manifold: High Thermal Conductivity: Copper's high thermal conductivity complicates the welding process by dissipating heat rapidly, making it difficult to maintain the high temperatures needed for keyhole weld. Thickness Challenges: When the copper's thickness exceeds 4mm, these challenges become even more pronounced, making it difficult to achieve consistent and high-quality welds and requiring higher power levels. Blowholes & Porosity: porosity in common to find in copper welds. Blowholes are a specific type of porosity that occurs when larger gas pockets get trapped in the weld. These defects are particularly problematic in thick copper welding because of the metal's high thermal conductivity and the large volume of material. Managing the welding atmosphere and parameters is crucial to minimize the risk of blowholes.   A Breakthrough with Civan's Dynamic Beam Laser Despite these obstacles, recent advancements have paved the way for significant improvements in welding thick copper bus bars. A notable breakthrough has been achieved by Civan's Dynamic Beam Laser technology. This innovative approach has demonstrated the capability to weld copper with a thickness of 4.6 mm, maintaining high quality throughout the process.   Civan's Dynamic Beam Laser technology stands out because it offers a large parameter window, allowing for greater flexibility and control over the welding process. This adaptability is crucial for dealing with copper's inherent challenges. By precisely controlling the laser's parameters, Civan's technology can maintain the necessary Keyhole and melt pool dynamics, achieving strong and reliable welds even in thick copper bus bars.

Civan Lasers announces the opening of its first European office in Hannover, Germany, to enhance local service and R&D capabilities in laser technology. Office in Hannover   Civan Lasers, a leader in Dynamic beam laser technology, proudly announces the opening of its first European office in Hannover, Germany. This expansion reflects our commitment to meet the growing demand for our innovative solutions in Germany and across Europe, improving our capability to deliver enhanced service and support.   The new office will function as a central hub for sales, service, and research and development (R&D), with a focus on welding process innovation. It includes a demonstration room equipped with the latest in laser technology, notably a 14kW laser with a galvo scanner and a fast axis XY table in the application lab, designed to support a variety of applications from client demonstrations to in-depth R&D projects. Application Lab in the Hannover office. Equipped with a 14kW Dynamic Beam Laser   Situated near the Lazer Zentrum Hannover (LZH), this location fosters collaboration with a leading research institute in laser welding and metal additive manufacturing, facilitating the cooperating of talented graduates and underscoring our dedication to innovation.   At the helm of the Hannover office are Joel Meentzen, General Manager, and Dr.-Ing. Robert Bernhard, Application Lab & Branch Manager. Their combined expertise and leadership are integral to our mission in Europe. Dr.-Ing. Robert Bernhard preparing the next customer trials   Joel Meentzen expressed his enthusiasm for the new facility, stating, "Our new office will significantly improve our service capabilities and response times for our customers, ensuring they receive the best possible support quickly and efficiently."   Dr.-Ing. Robert Bernhard added, "The ability to conduct advanced research for welding processes within our application lab positions us uniquely to support our customers. We can now offer solutions tailored to their most challenging welding applications, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in laser technology."   The application lab, set to open its doors to visitors starting March 1st , offers an exclusive opportunity to witness our Dynamic Beam Laser technology firsthand.   About Civan Lasers Civan Lasers specializes in the development of dynamic beam lasers that revolutionize material processing applications. Committed to quality, efficiency, and innovation, Civan Lasers is dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of its global clientele.   Civan Lasers Europe GmbH Hollerithallee 16A 30419 Hannover Germany The laser setup includes a galvo scanner and fast XY axis enabling a wide range of applications

In the world of materials science and production, innovation is key to unlocking new possibilities and addressing existing challenges. Associate Professor Morten Kristiansen, a distinguished researcher from the Department of Materials and Production at Aalborg University, is at the forefront of this pursuit. Earlier this year, he made a groundbreaking acquisition for his laboratory – a Dynamic Beam Laser. Assoc. Prof. Kristiansen's research journey has been anchored in the history of using beam shapes for welding, cutting, and fabrication. His extensive experience in this domain has prepared him to fully grasp the immense potential of beam shaping in these applications. However, in the past, the possibilities of beam shaping were hampered by two major constraints: time and cost. Traditionally, creating a new beam shape required the design of Diffraction Optical Element, each of which was expensive and time-consuming to produce. Researchers like Assoc. Prof. Kristiansen were confined by the limitations of their available beam shapes, which hindered the exploration of innovative solutions to critical problems. The arrival of the Dynamic Beam Laser in Assoc. Prof. Kristiansen's laboratory marked a turning point. This cutting-edge technology allows researchers to design and implement new beam shapes in a matter of minutes, compared to the months it took previously. The implications for research are profound, as it drastically shortens the development time and opens up new avenues for exploration. One area where Assoc. Prof. Kristiansen sees immense potential for implementing beam shaping is in the welding of thick sections. Welding thick sections often leads to challenges such as cracks and porosity. These issues are well-understood, and beam shaping offers a unique opportunity to control the heat profile and melt pool dynamics. For instance, one innovative idea is to create a beam shape with a leading edge that can clean the weld seam, prevent contamination, and pre-heat the welded area, mitigating common welding problems. Another intriguing application that had been explored in the past with limited success due to constrained beam shapes is remote cutting. By using specific beam shapes, it becomes possible to generate pressure that aids in ejecting molten material during cutting operations, potentially revolutionizing this process. Assoc. Prof. Kristiansen's laboratory is currently in the construction stages but has already yielded promising results. Initial trials have demonstrated that different beam shapes can significantly influence various parameters, including heat profiles, melt pool dynamics, and spatter formation. These findings are setting the stage for further groundbreaking research.       One of the primary objectives of Assoc. Prof. Kristiansen's lab is to serve as a hub for both students and industry professionals. The lab is committed to conducting research that benefits not only the academic community but also the broader industry. Its flexible setup allows for rapid adjustments to tackle various industry challenges, ensuring swift and effective research solutions. Dynamic Beam Laser represents a significant leap forward in the world of materials research. By overcoming the historical limitations of time and cost associated with beam shaping, this technology opens up exciting possibilities in welding, cutting, and fabrication. As Assoc. Prof. Kristiansen's lab continues to pave the way for innovative solutions and welcomes students and industry partners, the future of materials science and production looks brighter than ever. With the Dynamic Beam Laser as a catalyst for change, we can anticipate groundbreaking advancements in the field and solutions to longstanding challenges.

Eveline Reinheimer from IFSW Wins 1st Place at ICALEO '23 Student Paper Award for Innovative Welding Research using Dynamic Beam Laser We're elated to share the remarkable achievement of Eveline Reinheimer, who has secured the prestigious 1st place at the ICALEO '23 Student Paper Award! This recognition is a testament to her exceptional skills and dedication in the field of laser welding research. Eveline's award-winning paper, titled "High-speed x-ray imaging of pore and spatter formation during welding of hair pins". The study presented in the paper focused on various methods of welding hair pins, a crucial process in power trains. However, what sets her research apart is the introduction of a groundbreaking technique. Eveline's innovative approach employs dynamic beam lasers with a sequence pattern, effectively eliminating the need to cross gaps during the welding process. This ingenious method has the potential to significantly reduce issues like spatter and pores. Traditional welding processes often struggle with spatter, the unwanted droplets of molten metal that can lead to defects and impurities in the final weld. Additionally, pores, which are small voids in the weld, can compromise the structural integrity of the welded component. Eveline's research, however, offers a promising solution by introducing dynamic beam laser technology that precisely targets the welding area without the need for crossing gaps, thereby minimizing the occurrence of spatter and pores. The implications of this innovation are substantial, as it can lead to enhanced welding efficiency, reduced material wastage, and improved overall quality of welded components. This is particularly noteworthy in the context of electric vehicle (EV) production, where these advancements can make a substantial impact.

Civan Lasers, a leading Laser manufacturer based on Coherent Beam Combining (CBC), has announced the successful development of a 500W Single Mode Continuous Wave 532nm laser, marking a world record for such a laser type. This green laser stands apart from others on the market because of its exceptional beam quality, a feature hard to attain with current laser technologies. While traditional lasers try to get high brightness by pushing power through a single crystal channel, risking damage over time, our laser employs the Coherent Beam Combining (CBC) method. This approach combines multiple lasers into one coherent beam without the need to danger single crystal, ensuring longer-lasting and dependable performance. Coherent Beam Combining (CBC) brings a suite of advantages: it can produce high-power CW Single Mode beams, offers scalability for even greater power levels, and introduces power modulation capabilities - a significant advancement given that 532nm lasers typically require stable crystal temperatures. With CBC, this dependency is eliminated. Furthermore, CBC provides the versatility of delivering green with IR, paving the way for diverse material processing applications. The laser was conceived and developed as part of the EUREKA project "CBC-Green", a collaborative effort involving Fraunhofer IWS, Siemens, and Thyssenkrupp ( Link for project description ). Following its development, the laser will be sent to Fraunhofer IWS. There, they will spearhead the process development for Siemens and Thyssenkrupp and further explore the laser's capabilities and potential applications. The high-power Single Mode Continuous Wave (SM CW) green laser shows great promise in a range of material processing applications. These include welding highly reflective materials such as copper, welding in the semiconductor domain—particularly chip-to-wafer welding, which could serve as an alternative to traditional wire bonding processes—and Metal Additive Manufacturing (AM) of copper. While these are some of the immediate applications identified, the scope of this laser technology is vast. Its potential stretches beyond what is currently known, suggesting that there are still uncharted territories and innovative applications awaiting discovery. The trajectory of development for the green laser product is ongoing. Civan Lasers is intent on advancing the prototype by aiming to cut its size by half, dramatically lowering its cost, amplifying its power capabilities, and introducing a dynamic beam within the green Laser . As the laser technology realm continues to expand and transform, Civan Lasers steadfastly pioneers new frontiers.

In the realm of laser technology, beam shaping is a vital component for various applications. Dynamic Beam Laser is revolution in it's capabilities and simplicity of generating new beam shapes. The shape generation software is the tool provided with the laser that allows users to easily generate and optimize new beam shapes. The latest version which is result of users feedback offers a new set of tools, to make it even easier. This software not only enables users to design and load new beam shapes effortlessly but also introduces a range of innovative features to optimize power density measurement, streamline beam shape order control, and simplify the overall beam shaping process. A first improvement is the ability to measure the power density at different areas of the beam shape. Power density is determined by focal length and power level, which can be easily changed. One option is to view the power density at a specific point. A second option is to see the power density in a particular area. By doing this, users can plan the shape with the optimal distribution of power. A new feature also allows users to see how beam shapes are generated from different points. Since shapes are generated by jumping between points and the power density is different at every point due to diffraction. This new feature will provide users with a very intuitive and easy way to view the average power as well as the power distribution at each individual point. As well as controlling the direction of movement of a beam shape, it is also possible to control its order of movement. It is possible to create a continuous motion or a random motion. Depending on the application, both options have advantages. It is now even easier to control the order with the new buttons. The R key changes the order of starting from the end to the start. In other words, if I have a circle that goes with the clock, after pressing R it will go against it. A second new button is M/E, M- which means that points will be added after the order chosen if one wants to add points to an existing shape. The letter E indicates that it will be added at the end. There are several options available to shorten the time it takes to generate a new beam shape. For a circle, all that needs to be defined is the number of points and the radius. A spiral can be easily customized by defining the number of points, the number of circles, and the power (0.1 - 0.9) that is desired in the spiral. Square - choose length and number of points. There is a lot of flexibility with polygons. First choose the number of points, then select the points that the path goes through. Last but not least, you can edit the existing shape by clicking edit and either moving or copying sections.

Dynamic Beam Lasers offer a versatile solution for various industrial applications. In this technical blog, we will delve into the options and considerations when configuring machines using Dynamic Beam Lasers. We will explore the components of a laser system, discuss beam characteristics, highlight laser software, control interfaces, and delve into different machine configurations. By understanding these aspects, users can make informed decisions to optimize their laser-based processes. Laser System Overview: The Dynamic Beam Laser system comprises four main parts: the optical cabinet, optical head, power supplier cabinet, and chiller. The optical cabinet houses the laser sources, while the optical head is responsible for coherent beam combining and beam output. Between the two parts there is a fiber of up to 7 meters long. The power supplier cabinet contains the electrical components and has a wire of up to 20 meters, and a chiller is incorporated to facilitate water cooling. These components work together to ensure the efficient functioning of the laser system. Optical Interface: The Dynamic Beam Laser system outputs tens of collimated single-mode beams with a 22mm aperture. These beams can travel over considerable distances, allowing flexibility in various applications. To focus the beam, a focusing lens is utilized. The focal length determines the focal plane's location, where beam shaping occurs as the individual beams combine. Beam Characteristics: The beam emitted by the Dynamic Beam Laser can be divided into three parts: the main lobe, the movement area, and the total area covered by the laser. The main lobe can be compared to the sharp end of a pencil used to draw lines, while the movement area represents the envelope in which the laser can operate. The total area covered by the laser indicates regions where some energy is present. The beam diameter varies linearly based on the focal length employed. Laser Software: The operation of the Dynamic Beam Laser involves two software packages. The first is the shape generation software. This software enables the creation of beam shape files, which can be uploaded to the laser. Once the desired beam shapes are set, this software is not required for regular laser operation. The second software package is the laser operator software, which enables manual control, powering on/off, and can be replaced by external controllers such as scanners or PLC. Laser Control Interfaces: In addition to the standard signals found in CW lasers, the Dynamic Beam Laser requires specific signals for its dynamic beam features. These include selecting the beam shape, specifying the angle of the beam shape, and determining the beam shape's location in the X, Y, and Z axes. These interfaces provide the necessary control for harnessing the laser's full potential. Optical Configurations: When integrating Dynamic Beam Lasers into machines, two primary optical configurations can be utilized: flying optics and fixed optics. The choice between them depends on the user's application, expertise, and preferences. Each configuration offers distinct advantages and disadvantages. Moreover, adding components like welding heads or galvo scanners can enhance system performance, cleanliness, and process robustness. Machine Configurations: Civan Lasers, has collaborated with customers to develop various machine configurations. These configurations demonstrate the versatility of Dynamic Beam Lasers in different applications. Some notable examples include: Dynamic Beam Lasers provide tremendous flexibility for machine configurations. Users can tailor their machines to meet specific application requirements.