The JEWELERS Tool of Choice!

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LaserStar Workstations - The Jewelers Tool of Choice!

odays manufacturing retail jewelers have a wide range of new technologies available to enhance their ability to provide the highest level of quality, craftsmanship and service to their clients. One of the fastest growing technologies is the use of manual laser micro-welding systems as an alternative to traditional solder torch practices.

Laser is an acronym for Light Amplication by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. This technology produces a sharply focused beam of hot light that melts a very small area of metal and can be used to join similar or dissimilar alloys. The welding process can be performed quickly (normally in milliseconds) and does not scar or blemish the welding surface. In fact, by adjusting the lasers beam diameter, a smooth, near polished nish can be achieved with the laser. Since very little heat is generated at the weld point, users can easily weld 0.05mm (.002) away from the most complicated and intricate jewelry pieces including heat-sensitive stones. Lasers can be used to ll porosity, re-tip platinum or gold prong settings, repair bezel settings, repair/resize rings and bracelets without removing stones and correct manufacturing defects. Laser welding recongures the molecular structure of either similar or dissimilar metals at the point of welding, allowing the two common alloys to become one. Manufacturing retail jewelers currently using laser welders are often amazed at the wide range of applications and ability to Sufce to say that if I hadnt bought the LaserStar when I did, I would never have been able to compete in todays business world. I rarely use a torch for anything anymore and spend 95% of my workday at the laser. In short - its great! Id recommend it to anyone except my competition! - Paul Argentiere Crown Jewelry Parker, CO

The LaserStar Workstation has cut our labor time by two-thirds for assembling new pieces and custom repairs while reducing solder expenses by close to 80%! Im telling all my friends about it. - Mark Loren, Mark Loren Designs Fort Myers, FL

7000 Series LaserStar Welding System

produce a higher quality product in less time with fewer materials while eliminating excessive heat effects. HOW THE LASER SYSTEM WORKS One of the key elements in making laser welding applicable to jewelry manufacturing and repair was the development of the free-moving concept. In this approach, the laser generates a stationary infrared light pulse which is targeted through the microscopes cross-hair. The laser pulse can be controlled in size and intensity. Because the heat generated remains localized, operators can handle or xture items with their ngers, welding small areas with pin-point accuracy without causing any harm to the operators ngers or hands. This free-moving concept enables users to eliminate costly xturing devices and increase the range of assembly and repair applications. In laser welding systems, the operator controls the beam diameter (weld spot), power level (voltage), and pulse length depending on the type of alloy and joint being welded. A stereo-microscope with internal cross-hairs makes it easy for the operator to align and weld the component part or assembly at the precise location. The laser pulse is then activated with a foot pedal. Many systems also offer the option of a cover gas, normally Argon, to ensure a homogeneous weld while preventing any discoloration or contamination.

990 Series iWeld Laser System

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Most operators can learn to use laser welding machines in a few hours, although to become fully procient and benet from the machines full potential, users must have a good understanding of the metallurgical properties of the alloys being welded. An experienced laser welding technician can typically perform basic manipulation of the repair item within minutes. Laser spot-welders pose little hazard to operators ngers or hands while in the welding chamber. Occasionally, an operators ngers may experience a deected laser pulse, but little damage is done; it is similar to a pinprick or touching something hot. To ensure the safety of your laser welding system, always ask the manufacturer before you purchase if the machine is FDA certied according to the safety standards established by the Laser Institute of America. Since most manual laser welders range in pulse energy from 40-150 joules of energy or 35-80 Watts, they are normally categorized as a Class 4 laser device, the highest powered Nd:YAG laser available. When the welding chamber is fully enclosed, the system meets the Class 1 safety standards, which is the safest laser to operate. INTO THE FUTURE During the last few years, the price of many laser welding systems has decreased, making them increasingly affordable to jewelry manufacturers, small design studios, repair shops and retail jewelers while offering additional features and exibility to the user. Frequently, those who have purchased the laser systems nd that the time, labor and material savings realized far outweigh the original purchase price.

JEWELRY WELDING EXAMPLES

Three stone ring repair

Opal inlay repair

Custom designs in platinum

MJSA Laser Distinction Award winner - Julie Buckareff, JJBuckar - 100% laser assembled.

The laser enables me to do many jobs that would otherwise be impossible to do with a torch. A year ago, my question would have been What is a laser capable of doing? Today my question would be, What is my laser NOT capable of doing? Will a laser pay for itself in a year? Well, it depends on whether you look at it, or use it. Today, I wouldnt take a million dollars for mine! - Grant Ratliff, Howards Mfg. Jewelers, Centre, AL

One of a kind custom laser assembly

Platinum prong re-tip repair

Tennis bracelet clasp repair

Eyewear nose pad repair

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LaserStar Technologies Corporation

RI LaserStar Sales Center (Corporate Ofce) One Industrial Court, P.O. Box 15155 Riverside, Rhode Island 02915 USA 401-438-1500 Fax: 866-516-3-43 Email: ri.sales@laserstar.net FL LaserStar Sales Center 8615 Commodity Circle, Suite 19 Orlando, Florida 32819 USA 407-248-1142 Fax: 866-708-5274 Email: .sales@laserstar.net

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CA LaserStar Sales Center 510 West Sixth Street, Suite 1030 Los Angeles, California 90014 USA 213-612-0622 Fax: 866-347-0934 Email: ca.sales@laserstar.net
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2011 LaserStar Technologies Corporation. All rights reserved. iWeld, LaserStar, FiberCube, FiberStar, Pulse Performance Profile Technology, Soft-Touch Resonator Technology and EZ-LINK Software are registered trademarks of LaserStar Technologies Corporation. In the interest of technological progress, we reserve the right to make technical changes without notice.