Universal Laser Systems Awarded Patent for Flexible Laser Manufacturing Systems

Scottsdale, AZ - December 14, 2016 - Universal Laser Systems, Inc. (ULS), a recognized world leader in laser materials processing, has been awarded a patent for Flexible Laser Manufacturing Systems and Associated Methods of Use and Manufacture, US Patent No. 9,354630B2.

Flexible Laser Manufacturing is an advanced concept for industrial settings. It calls for the deployment of DLMP^® (Digital Laser Material Processing) technology using multiple laser systems in an arrayed configuration. This systematic approach to manufacturing allows companies to develop new processes quickly, and then ramp them to higher volume manufacturing rapidly and reliably.

“Flexible Laser Manufacturing provides companies with optimal production efficiency; maximizing return on their capital investment and allowing them to be more responsive to customer needs,” said Joe Hillman, Strategic Development Manager for Universal Laser Systems.

The patented concept employs a host computer to manage laser processing tasks throughout the manufacturing floor by electronically routing tasks to groups of available laser systems to meet required production needs based on sophisticated planning and estimating algorithms.

The host computer also monitors the productivity of each laser system and can dynamically rebalance the number of laser systems that are assigned to each manufacturing task if production output fluctuates or requirements change. This host control, along with the tool less and fixtureless nature of laser material processing, provides an unprecedented level of manufacturing flexibility and control. Individual laser systems can also be taken “offline” for use in research and development, and then placed back into production when the R&D project is finished.

The Flexible Laser Manufacturing Systems patent is one of many patents awarded to ULS since its inception in 1988. To learn more, visit www.ulsinc.com.

About Universal Laser Systems
Universal Laser Systems, Inc. (ULS) is a global manufacturer of laser material processing solutions, founded in 1988 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, with subsidiaries in Vienna, Austria and Yokohama, Japan. The company’s commitment to innovation, advancing the application of modern CO₂ and fiber laser technology and customer service has established a market-leading position with tens of thousands of customers in various industries across the globe.

From the development of laser sources, productivity enhancement technologies, advanced software and beam delivery systems to an extensive investment in the research of laser materials processing science and applications, ULS is committed to providing our customers with the most innovative, cost effective, flexible and scalable laser material processing solutions for today and future needs. For more information, visit www.ulsinc.com.