Gemini-4

The Gemini-4 fiber laser system is optimized for cutting or vaporizing metal whilst being reflected or transmitted by most polymers. In other words, the laser does not interact with the polymer.

The Gemini-4 system can be used for:

• Cutting of tinned braid / micro-coax shields, typically where the coax outer diameter is less than 0.01" (0.25 mm)
• Cutting of foil shields, including those found in twin-ax type cables and aluminized mylar foil
• Ablation of some bonded foils
• Ablation of bonded metal foil shields from flat flexible cables (FFCs)
• Ablation of polyimide wire.

When scribing micro-coax braid, the shield is tin-tipped in order to create a solid mass of solder and braid. The Gemini-4 is then programmed to cut a shallow groove in the shield. This "scribe" line is similar to the method used to cut glass. Once scribed, the shield snaps cleanly at the scribe line - cutting all braid strands at the same position. As the laser beam does not penetrate the braid, it does not matter what the underlying dialetric insulation composition is.

For foil cutting, the laser cuts through the thin foil layer. The laser radiation does penetrate to the underlying layers, so there is a small risk of heat damage. If the underlying plastic material is light colored (ideally white or transparent), the laser does not interact strongly and a robust cutting process can be developed for the foil. For dark colors (particularly black), it my be difficult to find settings that cut the foil without damaging the underlying insulation.

The system's unique and flexible software allows the operator to select from a color touchscreen the required settings (laser power, laser speed and strip positions) from a pre-programmed library and all strip parameters are automatically set. There is no need to program each laser move individually.