In addition to the precious metals platinum, gold and silver, the refractory metals, e.g. molybdenum, tungsten, niobium and tantalum belong to the heavy metals. Their performance characteristics include melting points above 2000 degrees Celsius, low thermal expansion, corrosion resistance, and good thermal as well as electrical conductivity. They are therefore predestined for use under extreme conditions, for example in the aerospace, medical technology, electronics, environmental and energy technology sectors.
However, materials such as molybdenum or tantalum are difficult to process mechanically. This is where the laser tool comes into its own. Even reflective surfaces, such as gold, can be processed safely, quickly and sustainably with lasers.
With pulsed lasers, surfaces can be ablated layer by layer or cut edges can be created almost independently of the material, and even three-dimensional deep structures can be easily realized. The fine laser beam produces a precise, permanent mark on the surface without damaging the material. Particularly for small and medium-sized series, non-contact (precision) laser cutting offers a cost-effective alternative to conventional punching and other cutting processes. High contour accuracy with extremely small radii, optimally sharp edges, smooth and clean surfaces as well as steep cutting walls characterize laser cutting. If extremely high quality as well as particularly strict tolerances are required for especially small or sensitive parts, e.g. in medical technology or micro components, ultrashort pulsed lasers are used for material processing.