OPTOGON develops and produces industrial laser processing machines for marking, engraving, cutting and welding. The company offers the customer the solution that makes the most sense for him in terms of technology and price. From small single pieces, through palletized series production, to laser processing of heavy and very large workpieces, OPTOGON has a suitable laser machine for its customers in its portfolio.
Interview with Thilo von Grafenstein, Marketing and Public Relations at OPTOGON
Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
Thilo von Grafenstein: OPTOGON Industrielaser Manufaktur (Erlau) develops and produces industrial laser processing systems that can be equipped according to the customer’s requirements for their optimal value-added process. Marking, engraving, cutting, welding and laser structuring are possible in single piece processing as well as in series production. All systems comply with the “Made in Germany” quality standard. Depending on the requirements and material, OPTOGON uses the laser from a wide range of laser sources – from industrial standard lasers to the latest high-precision lasers – that achieves the most optimal processing result for the customer.
OPTOGON Industrielaser Manufaktur offers a wide range of modular laser systems with countless configuration options. Each module, component and assembly can be individually combined to create the perfect solution for the customer’s requirements.
In addition, OPTOGON laser system solutions can be seamlessly integrated into existing production lines, including automatic loading, workpiece handling, processing and removal. Integrated database-based communication, processing and feedback enables efficient and precise production and quality control. OPTOGON Industrielaser Manufaktur is committed to providing the best laser system solutions tailored to each customer’s unique needs.
Whether metals, plastics, organic materials or composites – there is hardly any material that cannot be processed with the laser.
By means of an innovative and modern graphical user interface of the laser software, every job can be implemented quickly, easily and intuitively. In addition, intelligent image processing functions reduce setup times to a minimum. OPTOGON specializes in the development of systems for optical image recognition, automated feeding and autonomous as well as automatic laser processing. These technologies provide small and medium sized companies with greater production flexibility.
By using automated image recognition and laser processing, products can be produced more accurately and in less time. The automated system can operate around the clock, reducing production time. In addition, automation can help lower production costs by reducing the error rate and decreasing the need for human labor.
Thanks to OPTOGON’s systems, companies can increase their production efficiency and productivity, leading to higher profitability and competitiveness. The company offers its customers a wide range of solutions tailored to their individual requirements.
OPTOGON’s expertise in optical image recognition, automated feeding and laser processing has made the company a major player in the automated production market.
E.E: What’s the news about new products?
T.v.G: One of the new solutions are laser system solutions for specific laser texturing. Various laser processes such as laser frosting, laser scarring, laser finishing and laser structuring can be used to provide materials with functional or aesthetic textures. Laser processing makes it possible to create very precise and uniform structures on surfaces, which is advantageous in many application areas.
Another innovation from OPTOGON are laser system solutions for large-area laser processing with a resolution of more than 600 dpi. Large-area laser processing is required for a wide range of applications, such as trim elements in the automotive industry, or the fast, large-area and shoulder-free processing of battery elements.
The third innovation are laser system solutions for laser cleaning, decorating and paint stripping. Laser cleaning is the selective, non-contact and gentle solution for removing contaminants such as grease, oil, oxides, paint and coatings from metals and other surfaces.
Laser cleaning is not only used for cleaning, but also for selective, targeted pre-treatment for the functionalization of surfaces. In this way, better adhesion of adhesives or optimum conductivity of surfaces can be achieved.
Furthermore, laser cleaning serves as a pre-treatment of corrosion-protective coatings for safe energy and signal transmission in the electronics and e-mobility industries.
E.E: What are the ranges of products?
T.v.G: OPTOGON provides customized laser system solutions for laser marking, laser engraving, laser structuring, laser cutting and laser welding.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
T.v.G: The laser market is very diverse and currently in search of efficient solutions. Major topics are automation and optical solutions for autonomous product processing overnight and on weekends.
E.E: What are the most innovative products marketed?
T.v.G: OPTOGON collaborates with experts in optical recognition and pioneers in robotics to deliver innovative and unique solutions according to customer needs. Bin picking solutions, image recognition, automatic layout alignment individually or in combination for efficient laser material processing.
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2023?
T.v.G: Complex processes must be made absolutely simple and understandable for the customer. OPTOGON strives to offer the customer an efficient and simple solution. Reliability, process security and also user security are major topics for the year 2023 and beyond. The further-reaching automation and also remote maintenance topics raise new questions of security and safety, which must be solved holistically.