ACI Laser expands its portfolio with a Laser for trimming. The development of the laser DPLMagic Trimmer based on the experience and technical know-how from our marking lasers. A camera system is added as well as image processing software and interfaces for real-time control of the material removal.

The laser trimming unit consists of a laser, a vision system and customized software. It allows the automation of the entire trimming process. The differences between trimming lasers and lasers for marking are the adapted beam generation for the trimming process and an extended electrical interface. The trimming process is stopped in real-time by using an external measuring amplifier. The last mirror and positioning data is saved so the trimming process may be seamlessly continued from the last position. An optional camera system coupled to the optical path allows the monitoring of the trimming process along the laser beam. The vision system analyzes the images and thereby identifies and locates the components that require trimming. It also positions the cuts and compensates for position changes resulting from soldering. The alignment may be monitored and documented. It is also possible to statistically evaluate cutting length and time.

The trimming laser is entirely air-cooled and therefore it features a very small and compact construction. The laser system may be used as a manual workplace or can be easily integrated into production lines.

The trimming laser of ACI Laser GmbH processes resistors down to model 0402. The laser beam removes the resistance layer without damaging the ceramic body and thereby increases the resistivity. Several reputable suppliers of electronic products and sensors apply trimming lasers made by ACI Laser GmbH. They are integrated into industrial installations to actively trim resistors of the types 1206, 0805 and 0603 within a fully automated shift operation.

There are various kinds of trimming cuts being used in practice. The serpentine cut is often used for its large trimming area and therefore efficiently replaces mechanical trimmers. Laser trimmed resistors are not only smaller than resistors produced with trim pots but also more durable in the long run.

The alignment of SMT resistors to obtain non-standard values (passive trimming) or to align circuit functions (active trimming) is called laser trimming. Active trimming is mainly used to align current voltage characteristics in electronic sensors, to align the sensing distance of approximate sensors or to linearize measuring amplifiers.