IPG\'s IX-280-ML provides maximum micromachining flexibility by supporting up to two laser types in a single workstation. The system combines a Class 1 workstation including part-handling stages, vision systems and control electronics, integrated with either one or two lasers. Each laser is equipped with its own beam delivery system appropriate for the application, with options including fixed focused beam, fixed shaped beam, scanning galvanometer and thermal cutting heads. Fiber-delivery and free-space lasers are supported.

Applications include R&D, where extreme equipment flexibility is of paramount importance and production applications where both very fine micromachining and thicker-material micromachining functions are required. In the IX-280-ML, lasers can be selected to be optimized for both tasks, with the shared workstation elements of part positioning, control and automation delivering highly precise machining of a vast array of materials. Typical laser combinations include 1070 nm thermal cutting and 193 nm excimer or 1070 nm thermal cutting combined with a 532 nm scanning beam. Laser combinations can be specified at time of system order or as subsequent field upgrades if required.