HIROTEC AMERICA Introduces Laser Welding Applications for BIW Closures
Auburn Hills, MI., February 16, 2011 – HIROTEC AMERICA, Inc. (HAI), an automotive supplier specializing in closure bodyshop assembly tooling and hemming systems, announced a collaboration with IPG Photonics Corporation and HIGHYAG Lasertechnologie GmbH (HIGHYAG), a subsidiary of II-VI Incorporated (NASDAQ: IIVI), to provide laser welding applications for body-in-white closure panels.
This working relationship with IPG, the world leading developer of fiber lasers and amplifiers, and HIGHYAG, the forefront specialist in laser processing heads and beam delivery equipment, gives HIROTEC AMERICA the ability to provide automotive manufacturers a way to maximize production and increase speed to market.
Laser welding is a technique that is used to join multiple pieces of metal together seamlessly and quickly. This versatile process also provides further flexibility in the types of metal, as well as the thickness of the material. High quality, increased speed, repeatability, and processing flexibility are a few additional advantages of laser welding.
“We are pleased to work with these two leading companies specializing in laser welding. Our expertise in closure assembly tooling leveraged with their extensive knowledge of the laser welding field will allow us to open another door for our customers,” said Gary Krus, Vice President of Business Development at HIROTEC AMERICA.
Earlier this year, HIROTEC AMERICA was awarded their first closure panel assembly program, utilizing laser welding. A laser welding lab, using IPG’s fiber optic system and HIGHYAG’s processing and beam delivery system, will be in place at HIROTEC AMERICA’s, Auburn Hills facility by early March.
About IPG Photonics Corporation
IPG Photonics Corporation is the world leader in high-power fiber lasers and amplifiers. Founded in 1990, IPG pioneered the development and commercialization of optical fiber-based lasers for use in a wide range of applications such as materials processing, advanced, telecommunications and medical. Fiber lasers have revolutionized the industry by delivering superior performance, reliability and usability at a lower total cost of ownership compared with conventional lasers, allowing end users to increase productivity and decrease operating costs. IPG has its headquarters in Oxford, Massachusetts, and has additional plants and offices throughout the world. For more information, please visit www.ipgphotonics.com.
About HIGHYAG Lasertechnologie GmbH
HIGHYAG is a global corporation founded in 1995 and is based near Berlin, Germany. HIGHYAG is a leader in the design and manufacture of automated equipment to deliver high-power one micron laser light for cutting, drilling and welding in automotive, semiconductor and other materials processing applications. HIGHYAG produces tools for laser materials processing, including modular laser processing heads for fiber lasers, YAG lasers and other one micron laser systems. HIGHYAG also manufactures beam delivery systems including fiber optic cables and modular beam systems. HIGHYAG is a subsidiary of II-VI Incorporated (NASDAQ: IIVI). For more information, please visit www.highyag.com or www.ii-vi.com.
About HIROTEC AMERICA, Inc.
HIROTEC AMERICA, Inc. is part of the HIROTEC Group Companies that has worldwide sales in excess of 1.4 billion dollars and 21 locations worldwide. For over 20 years, HIROTEC AMERICA has been providing innovative and highly flexible closure manufacturing solutions to automotive customers around the world. For more information, please visit www.hirotecamerica.com.
3000 High Meadow Circle
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Contact: Sarah Appolson
Phone: (248) 836-5155
sarahappolson@hirotecamerica.com
