Online resource helps you get smart on laser welding

The company says its new web platform, www.laserplasticwelding.com, will help engineers and product developers with information and Tipp on the welding process.  Whitepapers, videos, case studies and blog posts round out the site. Visitors can upload their own questions too. Laser welding is of interest to processors of medical plastics devices and other industries because it does not create dust or particulate during the process.

Laser welding often sees use in the medical, automotive, E/E and solar cell manufacturing industries. The process is taking off as more users turn to it. LPKF reports that orders in hand have more than doubled to €26 million since the beginning of the year. Its revenue for the first half of 2011 grew by 3 % to €37.7 million to slightly exceed last year's record level. Revenues in the second quarter grew by 23 % compared to the same period in 2010, to €23.4 million. 

To satisfy growing demand, LPKF has increased its workforce from 429 to 532 over the past 12 months. Management is predicting revenue of between €83 - €86 million for the current financial year, with an EBIT margin between 15 - 17 %.