IPG Photonics Corp. reports it has acquired Germany’s Cosytronic KG for an unreported price. Dr. Valentin Gapontsev, IPG Photoincis chairman and CEO, said the Oxford, Mass., developer of high-power fiber lasers and amplifiers intends to expand its portfolio of fiber lasers, calling it a “promising complimentary market.”

Cosytronic, or COSY, specializes in joining technology, emphasizing its engineering skill for automated welding turnkey solutions. The group develops and applies joining techniques and welding tools for many material processing markets.

"We are excited to join IPG Photonics," commented Cosytronic KG founder and managing director Heribert Heinz. "The combined company now has significantly more resources to target larger customers and new applications, and the ability to have stronger technical integration of the tool and the laser. IPG is a natural strategic fit for COSY and we believe this will benefit both companies' customers."

Recently, COSY commercialized a fiber-based “seam stepper” for laser welding, such as in auto body plants and sheet metal component processing. The system reportedly operates faster, achieving shorter cycle times, and results in higher component strength because longer seams create higher torsional stiffness. It features a flexible welding head, and the developer claims it has a “greater ability to handle the processing materials.” It achieves safe operating standards without an enclosure, too.

This system’s total cost of ownership is said to be comparable to most modern resistance-welding systems.

"Combining our state-of-the-art fiber laser technology with COSY's proven and innovative laser welding technology opens exciting opportunities to build robust integrated robotic solutions for various automotive, sheet metal production and other material applications,” according to Gapontsev. “Both companies have complementary expertise, strong market reputations and a passion for technological innovations. We look forward to integrating our similar entrepreneurial cultures and further strengthening our leadership position in fiber lasers and solutions."