LILA sets new Waterjet Laser World Record

To meet an ever-increasing demand for complex and precise technical ceramic and metal parts, LILA has invested approx. half a million Euro in a brand new Avonisys WJL600 waterjet laser system. The machine – first of its type – was commissioned at LILA early February 2021.

The WJL600 incorporates the proprietary Avonisys waterjet laser process, in which a laser beam from a high-power IR-fiber laser is coupled into a hair-thin waterjet. The technology enables cutting of high-aspect features into challenging materials with virtually no heat impact to the material. At the opposite end of the spectrum also ultra-thin sheet metal – for example 0.01mm – can be processed easily and with exceptional quality.

“Our machine is the first of its type and some teething problems had to be dealt with initially. However due to the close cooperation and on-site support of Avonisys, we were able to bring our system online relatively quickly.” says Gundolf Vogel, managing director of LILA GmbH. Shortly after, LILA could already set a new world record in high-power waterjet laser machining, while processing thick and challenging carbide ceramic material for 284 hours straight.

“Not too long ago we performed a 77-hour non-stop cutting job in the Avonisys Lab.” Says Jeroen Hribar, co-founder and CSO of Avonisys AG. “LILA has now surpassed this by almost 4x while utilizing an even higher power in the same nozzle configuration. We are very proud of the LILA team for their achievement. After an initial learning curve on our technology, LILA is now pushing out some amazing parts and record-breaking results.” adds Hribar.

“Meanwhile we have repeated the same 284-hour job several times and LILA is now developing cutting strategies that allow us to speed up this very challenging job.” explains Martijn de Keijzer, technical director at LILA GmbH. “We are still learning every day about the particularities and the unique possibilities this technology has to offer. Avonisys was and is a valuable sparring partner for us.” comments de Keijzer.

About LILA GmbH:

LILA specializes in Nd-YAG laser processing. Its expertise covers precision cutting, welding, and drilling. LILA is a contract manufacturer with 25 staff and produces small, medium, and large volume orders for both domestic and international customers. Among the industries served are medical, sensors, electronic parts, machine building and aerospace.

About Avonisys AG:

Avonisys develops, builds and sells laser systems based on its proprietary waterjet laser technology. Avonisys’ systems are designed to deliver robust performance for demanding applications while keeping operations simple and maintenance cost-effective.