II-VI Incorporated Adds Profile-Shaping Laser to Its Lineup of High-Precision Surface-Lapping Laser Tools for Diamond and Superhard Materials Processing

Rhea-AI Summary

II-VI Incorporated (Nasdaq: IIVI) has launched its new L60 laser tool designed for precision shaping of superhard materials like polycrystalline diamond and ceramics. This tool utilizes a patent-pending process that offers a more cost-effective solution compared to traditional electrical-discharge machining (EDM) methods, particularly as diamond component usage increases. The L60 boasts surface precision capabilities down to ten microns, enhancing processing yields for ultrathin diamond layers. This tool complements the existing L45 model, which has demonstrated consistent high-quality performance.

Positive

• Launch of L60 laser tool enhances II-VI's product offerings.
• L60 tool offers more cost-effective processing compared to traditional EDM methods.
• Achieves surface precision down to ten microns, improving processing yields.
• Compliments existing L45 model, showcasing proven performance in the field.

Negative

• None.

PITTSBURGH, March 16, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- II‐VI Incorporated (Nasdaq: IIVI), a leading provider of laser technologies for materials processing, today announced the introduction of its advanced L60 laser tool for precision shaping of complex profiles in superhard materials including polycrystalline diamond (PCD), polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC), synthetic diamond, and reaction-bonded ceramics, allowing II-VI to capitalize on emerging industrial applications.

II-VI’s L60 laser tool relies on a II-VI proprietary patent-pending process to shape profiles in polycrystalline and single-crystal diamond more cost-effectively than existing electrical-discharge machining (EDM) methods. As the diamond content increases in industrial products, EDM performance decreases due to lower electrical conductivity, and laser processing efficiencies become far more appealing. For PCD parts with ultrathin diamond layers, laser tools such as II-VI’s, which achieve surface-lapping precision down to ten microns, are the only option to achieve high processing yields.

“Our L60 laser tool is so efficient and precise that it can outperform several EDM tools combined. The lower processing cost, higher quality, and yield that we can achieve to produce and refurbish diamond-based industrial products are enabling a broader range of applications for diamond and accelerating the demand for our laser tools,” said Dr. Karlheinz Gulden, Senior Vice President, Laser Devices and Systems Business Unit. “The L60 laser tool complements our field-proven L45 PCD laser tool for disk surface finishing that we introduced in 2020. The L45 laser tools in the field have been lapping PCD diamond nonstop for months, achieving 100% first-pass production yields against challenging requirements. The processing consistency of our L45 laser tools is usually what most impresses our customers and has been a deciding factor in some recent design wins.”

The L45 and L60 laser tools are easy to program through an intuitive graphical user interface. They can run continuously unattended, thanks to an array of embedded sensors and the eMicro laser processing software, which together enable a fully automatic process, including loading, measuring, lapping, inspecting, unloading, and data logging. The tools meet CE and U.S. FDA safety regulations.

About II-VI Incorporated

II-VI Incorporated, a global leader in engineered materials and optoelectronic components, is a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in communications, industrial, aerospace & defense, semiconductor capital equipment, life sciences, consumer electronics, and automotive markets. Headquartered in Saxonburg, Pennsylvania, the Company has research and development, manufacturing, sales, service, and distribution facilities worldwide. The Company produces a wide variety of application-specific photonic and electronic materials and components, and deploys them in various forms, including integrated with advanced software to support our customers. For more information, please visit us at www.ii-vi.com.

CONTACT:                
Mark Lourie
Vice President, Corporate Communications
corporate.communications@ii-vi.com
www.ii-vi.com/contact-us

FAQ

What is the purpose of II-VI's new L60 laser tool?

The L60 laser tool is designed for precision shaping of superhard materials like polycrystalline diamond, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional machining methods.

How does the L60 laser tool compare to traditional EDM methods?

The L60 tool is more cost-effective and efficient than electrical-discharge machining (EDM), especially as diamond content in products increases.

What precision can the L60 laser tool achieve?

The L60 laser tool can achieve surface precision down to ten microns.

When was the L60 laser tool launched?

The L60 laser tool was launched on March 16, 2022.

What company is responsible for the L60 laser tool?

The L60 laser tool is produced by II-VI Incorporated, a provider of laser technologies.