The Cycle Works. But Can You Recover?
One thing I have learned over the years is that programming the automatic cycle is sometimes the easy part. The machine starts in a known condition.You…
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The Future of Handheld Laser Welding? I Think It Depends on Qualified Welders
Handheld laser welding is getting faster, easier to use, and more capable. But in my view, its long-term future depends on treating it like what it…
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MWL Laser Manufacturing Weekly — Sixth Edition September 3, 2026
September 3, 2026 Process Intelligence, 60 kW Cutting, AI Quality, and Manufacturing at Sea This week’s stories cover a wide range of laser manufacturing, but they…
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Program the Machine Once. Program the Process Separately.
What CNC machines—and an established part of the automation industry I should have paid more attention to—taught me about building more flexible machines I have spent…
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A Fiber Laser Is Not a Machine: What It Really Takes to Integrate One Into Production
The laser source may be the heart of the system, but beam delivery, motion, controls, safety, process knowledge, and maintainability determine whether the machine actually succeeds.…
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Build the Machine. Standardize the Control System.
Automation Notes What If We Standardized the Control System Before Building the Next Laser Machine? The machine should be custom. The control foundation does not always…
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Your Laser Machine May Still Be Running 15 Years From Now. Will You Still Be Able to Support Its Software?
When we buy a new laser cutting or welding system, most of the discussion is understandably about what the machine can do today. How fast will…
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MWL Laser Manufacturing Weekly — Fifth Edition August 27, 2026
August 27, 2026 Is Laser Welding Ready for the Mainstream? MWL Laser Manufacturing Weekly — Fifth Edition August 27, 2026 This week, we look at a…
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A Good Alarm Should Tell You Where to Start
An alarm can be technically correct and still be almost useless to the person troubleshooting the machine. I have a confession. Over the years, I have…
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