Our laser test stations help companies that want to keep research and development in-house create the processes needed for full-scale laser manufacturing. In addition, our Preflight software (either alone or in combination with laser equipment) helps you improve estimates and quotes by modeling production runs before you even turn on the system.

Laser Test Stations

Laser test stations bridge the gap between process development and full-scale production. Test stations allow you to test designs and concepts for feasibility before releasing them to production, reducing machine and job setup time. By testing your process and product before manufacturing it, you can fine-tune the parameters to use during processing, determine how best to process your material at differing speeds and for different processes, and identify potential problems before they arise, saving time and money.

While our Converting Services group partners with you to develop the process that exactly fits your unique application, you may have applications or requirements where it’s more appropriate to keep that sort of research and development in-house. LasX’s test stations are ideal for process development in larger companies or for any company needing to verify proof of concept with design testing.

Our test stations typically have a smaller footprint and more minimal options than our other equipment.

• Lasers are typically air-cooled instead of water cooled, reducing shop fitting requirements.
• Materials are manually fed into the work area for smaller runs, but roll handling equipment can be incorporated as needed.
• Test stations usually contain only 1 laser, instead of several.
• Stations are customizable as needed for your production facility. For example, add a variable field of view with automatic focus, incorporate vision cameras, or add registration sensors, as needed.

Preflight Software

In addition to test stations, LasX can help you improve job estimates and quotes with our Preflight software. This high-level estimation and quoting tool models production by simulating an actual production run, helping you determine run times, maximum and minimum production speeds, and process parameters.

• Preflight lets you “run your job” without really running your job to determine production speeds and run time.
• You can view the path the laser beam would take over the web (and all jumps) during processing. By testing changes to the processing order, you can optimize the cutting path and reduce run times before production even begins.
• Preflight’s tools allow you to print a full report about the job to fully capture and document job details (such as part process times and velocities, total processing time, and process parameters) before the job is run.
• By better capturing production run information, you can improve estimates and quotes for prospective customers.