An alliance synonymous with innovation

The strategic partnership with IPG Photonics is strengthening Bystronic’s innovation capacity: together, these two technology pioneers are developing the next generation of fiber lasers.
Laser cutting machines constitute the Swiss company’s largest sales pillar. For more than three decades, Bystronic developed the laser source, considered the most important component of these systems, in-house—first for CO2 reduction technology and, since 2005, for fiber lasers. However, Bystronic discontinued the development of fiber laser sources at its plants three years ago. “It was a wise decision, as the future development of powerful laser sources requires know-how that we didn’t have in-house,” says Christoph Rüttimann, Chief Technology Officer and member of the Bystronic Board of Management. “For example, achieving optimal alignment of the laser source with the machine and the cutting process remains a challenge,” explains Rüttimann. For this reason, more than just a supplier, Bystronic needs a strategic partner.

Bystronic acquires its laser sources from the leading company IPG Photonics, a pioneer in a highly competitive market. In 1991, physicist Valentin Gapontsev, a renowned inventor and pioneer in the field of high-power fiber lasers, founded the company, which is currently listed on the Nasdaq and headquartered in Oxford, Massachusetts, USA. In 2019, IPG Photonics’ growth has allowed it to become a multinational company with revenues of over $1.3 billion. The company also serves the needs of diverse markets, including automotive, aerospace, medical, research, consumer electronics, semiconductors, and communications.

Innovative Performance, Excellent Service
Bystronic is one of IPG’s most prominent customers in the materials processing sector. What began as a simple supplier-customer relationship has evolved into a strategic partnership: in 2018, the two companies launched joint development projects within the framework of a collaboration agreement. “This gives us the opportunity to adapt laser sources to our specific needs and allows us to develop innovative features for our customers,” says Christoph Rüttimann.

This alliance enables, for example, Bystronic technicians to be trained to replace defective transport fibers in the laser source or to exchange laser modules. “This way, we can offer comprehensive services from a single supplier and differentiate ourselves from the competition. Our customers appreciate having a single point of contact to answer all their questions,” he adds.

Leaders in the race for maximum power
The power of fiber laser cutting machines has increased rapidly in recent years. Two years ago, Bystronic introduced a 12-kilowatt system to the market, and the next power level, which will reach 15 kilowatts, is expected to be launched in October. Christoph Rüttimann is convinced that the race for maximum power is not over yet. Bystronic is ahead, thanks in part to its partnership with IPG.

Innovative Work for the Smart Factory
For Bystronic customers, the higher performance levels achieved in recent years have resulted in greater productivity and, above all, greater flexibility, and innovative features could further expand this clear advantage. Sharing practical experience and know-how with IPG is the perfect breeding ground for valuable ideas that can drive system development.

A Strong Partnership for a Dynamic and Evolving Market
The innovations they have driven together demonstrate that Bystronic has found in IPG an ideal partner to foster the development of the next generation of fiber laser solutions. According to Christoph Rüttimann, “Given the rapidly evolving market, our partnership ensures technological leadership and offers our customers top-notch productivity and excellent total cost of ownership, while also strengthening Bystronic’s future prospects.”