Certified Calibration Gauges for Precision Thickness Measurement

Bedford, NH, April 29, 2025 – Bold Laser Automation, Inc., a developer of advanced laser processing and metrology systems, has launched a new line of certified calibration thickness gauges engineered for calibration of high-accuracy Confocal Differential Measurement Systems. Standard and application-specific designs ensure NIST traceable thickness measurements in film, foil, thin glass, and technical fabrics. Designed specifically for integration with Keyence Dual Confocal Laser (CL) displacement sensor configurations, the calibration gauges enable precise non-contact thickness measurement across a range of inline inspection and quality assurance environments.

Developed for integration into discrete filtration and roll-to-roll (R2R) manufacturing environments, the calibration gauges support fast, repeatable calibration routines across a variety of product widths and materials. Each gauge is manufactured to stringent tolerances, with foil and block thicknesses from 0.010 mm to 2.000+ mm using a variety of precision-certified materials that include molybdenum, stainless steel, and titanium. The gauges are available in both standard configurations for common film and foil thicknesses, as well as custom options for specialized production requirements.

“Our calibration gauges provide the backbone for quick and reliable, real-time metrology in demanding applications,” said Todd Lizotte, CEO & co-founder of Bold Laser Automation. “When paired with the precision and speed of Keyence’s CL-series confocal laser displacement sensors, our system ensures that manufacturers can maintain tight control over product thickness and material uniformity—critical metrics for food industry packaging, medical device, aerospace, and advanced packaging sectors.”

Key features of the new calibration gauge product line include:

•  NIST-Traceable Thickness Certification for reliable calibration standards
• Compatible Mounting Designs for Inline Sensor Integration across inspection platforms
•  Industrial-Grade Surface Durability to withstand high-repetition use
•  Custom Engraving and Calibration Targets for automated alignment and validation

BOLD’s calibration gauges are already being deployed in both development and full-scale production lines across North America and Europe, supporting industries that demand precise layer thickness, structural uniformity, and repeatable quality metrics in high-speed environments.

For more information, specifications, or to schedule a demonstration, please contact Bold Laser Automation at (603) 413-5601, sales@boldlaserautomation.com, or visit www.boldlaserautomation.com.

CDM90 STS Platform Delivers Accuracy for Filament and Wire Inspection

Bedford, NH, March 25, 2025 – The Metrology Engineering Team is pleased to announce the next generation of high-precision filament and wire inspection with the release of the CDM90 STS Continuous Diameter Measurement Platform. This turnkey system provides high-speed, real-time diameter measurement of filaments and wires ensuring superior accuracy and production consistency for in-line manufacturing environments.

The CDM90 spool-to-spool platform integrates two state-of-the-art Keyence LS-9006M High-Speed Optical Micrometers positioned at 90-degree angles. This configuration enables precise diameter measurement within a range of 0.04 mm to 1 mm (0.0012” to 0.039”), delivering exceptional accuracy for critical manufacturing applications.

“Our unique design meets the growing demand for precision diameter measurement in filament and wire processing,” said Todd Lizotte, CEO and co-founder of Bold Laser Automation. “By combining advanced optical micrometry with real-time data monitoring, we are able to achieve consistent product quality while improving operational efficiency.”

Key Features and Benefits of the CDM90 STS

High-Precision Measurement:

• Dual Keyence LS-9006M Optical Micrometers measure filament or wire diameters with unmatched accuracy.
• V-groove wheel transfer through the sensors ensures stable and consistent readings.

 Advanced Handling and Tensioning:

• Integrated spool-to-spool module with adjustable tensioning allows smooth despooling and respooling of filaments.
• Precision guide pulleys, weighted dancer accumulators, and controlled tensioning ensure stability during inspection and wind-up.

Robust System Structure:

• Mounted on an extruded aluminum T-slot frame for stability and ease of maintenance.
• Can be mounted in various configurations for filament manufacturing lines, thread weaving and spinning lines, or as a desktop wind-up system for dispensing products for resale.

Smart Data Acquisition and Monitoring:

• Onboard computer with a 14-inch monitor (touchscreen or mouse-operated) for real-time data monitoring and logging.
• Integrated data acquisition system consolidates sensor data, with optional wheel encoder input for enhanced accuracy.
• All data is logged, time-stamped, and saved locally on a 1TB drive, with optional remote backup capability.
• Optional MES integration for connecting metrology data to ERP systems, enabling batch and lot inspection.

Plug-and-Play Installation:

• Operates on standard 110/220 VAC single-phase power with UL, NFPA 79, and OSHA compliance.
• Simple facility requirements for seamless integration into existing production lines.

“For woven products, the CDM90 platform ensures precise filament transfer without distortion or elongation, maintaining a consistent diameter spool to spool,” explained Lizotte.

For more information, specifications, or to schedule a demonstration, please contact Bold Laser Automation at (603) 413-5601, sales@boldlaserautomation.com, or visit www.boldlaserautomation.com.

Bold Laser Automation Delivers the IPPF9714F Pilot Fluidic Fill Platform

Bedford, NH, February 26, 2025 – Bold Laser Automation, a leader in advanced laser, pilot automation, and metrology solutions, is proud to announce the release of its IPPF0714F Indexing Plate/Frame Tall Fluidic Fill Platform. This innovative system provides a simple and precise fill solution for pilot production lines across various industries, including pharmaceuticals, drug delivery, specialty cosmetics, fragrance fill, personal care products and samples, food processing, and custom fluidic fill applications.

Designed to meet the stringent requirements of pharmaceutical, medical device, and advanced manufacturing, the IPPF0714F Fluidic Fill Platform integrates high-accuracy sensors, precise motion control, and advanced safety mechanisms to ensure consistent and reliable filling operations.

“The IPPF0714F Fluidic Fill Platform is a breakthrough for manufacturers seeking a high-precision, reliable, and safe solution for their pilot production line,” said Todd E. Lizotte, co-founder and CEO of Bold Laser Automation. “Our system streamlines the filling process while maintaining accuracy, operator safety, and ease of integration into existing workflows.”

Key Features of the IPPF0714F Fluidic Fill Platform include:

• Precision Fill Accuracy: Equipped with a Keyence CL-P030 1D Confocal Displacement Sensor and a Cozzoli FX400 Integrated Fill System, the platform ensures accurate fill levels, with added sensors to detect flush, fill, and overfill states.
• Advanced Motion Control: Features an X-Y axis table with 7” x 14” travel and ±0.004” accuracy, a 180° rotary axis, and product translation in X, Y, and Theta for optimal positioning.
• Enhanced Operator Safety: Incorporates OSHA-compliant dual-hand process start, light curtain protection, and emergency stop (EMO) switches to ensure safe operation.
• User-Friendly Operation: A touchscreen HMI provides real-time diagnostics and RED/GREEN status indicators, simplifying monitoring and process management.
• Flexible and Scalable Design: The system features manual pallet loading with visual laser guidance and allows for future upgrades with a right-side hatch panel for potential automation.
• Industry-Compliant Electrical System: Meets NFPA 79/80 electrical standards, operating on 110 VAC single-phase power with an integrated NEMA-rated enclosure.
• FDA-Compliant Data Archival: Bold systems are compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 guidelines on the archival of analytical data for clients in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries.

The IPPF0714F Fluidic Fill Platform is now available for integrating into existing pilot production lines or for new product applications. For more information, specifications, or to schedule a demonstration, please contact Bold Laser Automation at (603) 413-5601, sales@boldlaserautomation.com, or visit www.boldlaserautomation.com.

Installation, Training, and Support

Bold Laser Automation provides full installation and commissioning support, with hands-on training to ensure seamless integration into the client’s workflow. Comprehensive operation and maintenance manuals, along with electrical schematics, are included in both printed and digital formats.

A Scalable Solution for Precision Testing:

Bold Laser Automation Introduces the PS1016A Mechanical Probe Station

Bedford, NH, January 23, 2025 – Bold Laser Automation is proud to announce the launch of its latest innovation, the PS1016A Mechanical Probe Station, a system designed to improve precision testing in advanced manufacturing. Built to deliver accuracy and efficiency, the PS1016A integrates 16 mechanical probes with the capacity to scale up to 64 probes and higher, offering flexibility for manufacturers in electronics, PCBs, medical devices, automotive, and aerospace.

Key features include an adjustable vertical stroke (4–12 inches) for flexibility, seamless data handling via Gigabit Ethernet, and an operator-friendly control interface. With safety at its core, the system incorporates advanced features such as light curtains, emergency stops (EMO), and OSHA-compliant enclosures, ensuring safe operation in production environments.

“The PS1016A Probe Station exemplifies a commitment to creating solutions that adapt seamlessly to our customers’ unique workflows,” said Todd E. Lizotte, co-founder and CEO of Bold Laser Automation.

The probe station delivers the following benefits:

• Enhanced Scalability: Start with 16 probes and easily expand to 64 probes and higher for evolving production needs.
• Unmatched Precision: High-performance Keyence GT2 Series probes ensure consistent and accurate measurements across diverse applications. The PS1016A is particularly valuable in environments that require non-destructive testing (NDT), where product integrity must be maintained while performing in-depth inspections.
• Increased Efficiency: Modular design and intuitive controls streamline testing processes, reducing downtime and optimizing throughput.
• Versatility Across Industries: Ideal for testing foils, films, and glass for biomedical devices, sensors, robotic components, planar electrodes, and more.
• Safety and Reliability: Designed for compliance with strict manufacturing and workplace safety standards.

Whether for prototyping or full-scale production, the PS1016A sets a new standard for precision testing, helping manufacturers achieve greater productivity, quality, and confidence in their products.

“Precision and safety are non-negotiables in advanced manufacturing, but we also know that cost efficiency is crucial for our customers,” added Lizotte. “This system helps manufacturers improve throughput, reduce waste, and maximize their return on investment—all at a highly competitive price point.”

For more information or to schedule a demonstration, contact Bold Laser Automation at (603) 413-5601, sales@boldlaserautomation.com, or visit www.boldlaserautomation.com.

Pioneering the Next Generation of 2D/3D Measurement:

New Laser System Tackles the Most Complex Grid Challenges for MIT’s Plasma Research

Bedford, NH, December 11, 2024 – Bold Laser Automation, Inc., introduces a breakthrough 2D/3D measurement system designed for plasma and fusion research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This system was engineered to precisely measure complex, brittle graphite domes with intricate grid structures—an essential advancement where traditional optical methods risked damaging critical components.

Designed to meet rigorous quality control standards, the 3DS0806LJ 2D/3D System integrates state-of-the-art Keyence precision measurement technologies with advanced automation, enabling users to capture accurate measurements of grid width, thickness, and height in real-time. Equipped with a semi-automated interface, the system offers ease of use and consistent performance, making it ideal for a range of applications, including filters, medical devices, microelectronics, and more.

“This system represents a major advancement in precision measurement technology,” said Todd E. Lizotte, CEO and co-founder of Bold Laser Automation. “We’ve integrated high-resolution laser scanning with robust motion control to create a powerful tool for manufacturers looking to improve productivity and enhance their QA/QC processes on three dimensional, curved structures.”

Advanced Features for Optimal Measurement Accuracy

Bold’s 3DS0806 Series is built with several advanced features to enhance both operational flexibility and measurement accuracy:

• Fixture Design and Loading: Designed for seamless grid placement, the system’s loading zone provides alignment elements that allow for visual accuracy and prevent bumping or misalignment and breakage. The 450-degree Rotary Pallet System ensures smooth rotation while holding the grid securely in place with a soft rubber pad, eliminating the need for additional fixtures.
• Dual Z-Axis Scanning Stations: The 3DS0806 Series includes both a dynamic and a static scanning station. The dynamic station incorporates a Keyence LJ-X 2D/3D Laser Scanner on a vertical Z-axis, capable of sequential 360-degree scans with slight overlaps for comprehensive surface mapping. Simultaneously, an internal CL sensor operates on a separate Z-axis to perform in-depth internal scanning, providing a complete profile of the grid assembly.
• Automated Control and Motion Precision: Powered by microcontrollers and PLCs, the system’s Z-axis and rotary movements are precisely managed, enabling efficient, hands-free operation. With ±0.010 mm accuracy on the Z-axis and ±0.007 mm on rotary measurements, the system captures accurate data that translates into actionable insights for quality control.

“Our system delivers precision, efficiency, and ease of operation. With the 3DS series, the complexity of precision measurement is no longer a challenge—it’s an achievement!” said Lizotte.

Comprehensive Data Integration and Reporting

Integrated with the Keyence software suite, the 3DS0806 system supports seamless data collection and integration, generating easy-to-read reports for QA/QC. Data from the LJ-X and CL sensors are aggregated using differential calculation methods to identify thickness variations and compliance across all grid points. Users can export data to Excel or CSV, storing it both locally and on a backup terabyte drive, ensuring data security and accessibility.

Safety and Structural Design

Designed with a focus on operator safety and system stability, the 3DS Measurement System is enclosed within a robust aluminum frame with seismic mounts. The enclosure is compliant with NFPA standards, and features interlocks and emergency stop buttons for safety and accessibility during operations.

Bold Laser Automation Announces Precision Thickness Measurement System for Films, Foils, Thin Glass, and Fabric

Bedford, NH, November 12, 2024 –  Bold Laser Automation, a leader in precision laser system design, proudly announces its latest metrology innovation: the Bold 3DS Series Confocal Thickness Measurement System integrated with Keyence CL Series laser sensors. Specifically engineered for sheet and web/foil materials, the Bold 3DS scanning systems deliver unmatched closed-loop accuracy and real-time data insights.

With continuous in-line and discrete off-line inspection, as well as real-time data plotting and archiving, this system is designed to meet critical FDA data requirements for industries requiring stringent quality control.

Designed for Versatility from Small Parts to Large Sheets

Capable of handling materials up to 1 M x 500 mm and executing rapid scans across multiple positions, the system combines flexibility with precision. Its customizable measuring configurations make it suitable for various industries, including electronics, medical devices, and filtration products.

Key System Highlights:

Ultra-Precise Thickness Measurement: Depending on CL sensor selection, the system is designed for ±1 µm measurement accuracy.

Integrated Data Solutions: Bold’s proprietary module provides seamless data storage, export to Excel, and real-time data analysis for QA/QC teams.

Robust Motion Control: Featuring mapped stages, the system provides bidirectional repeatability within <±0.020 mm, crucial for high-precision applications.

Customized Material Fixturing: Built from tool and jig plate, the system ensures materials remain stable well within the sensor’s range, maintaining accuracy.

Safety and Vibration Control: Housed in a safety enclosure with seismic mounts, the system is designed to minimize vibration and ensure measurement stability within high-precision environments.

Cost Effective:  This machine offers high accuracy at a fraction of the cost of traditional measurement tools for manufacturers looking to enhance production value.

“We recognize the growing demands of today’s manufacturing industry, and this system—designed and built in the USA—provides a state-of-the-art solution that meets production speed, accuracy standards, and cost-effectiveness,” said Todd Lizotte, CEO and co-founder of Bold Laser Automation. “Our integration with Keyence’s measurement technology allows manufacturers to achieve unparalleled precision in real-time production monitoring.”

Seamless Keyence Integration

The 3DS scanning systems from Bold utilize Keyence’s CL Series software for easy setup and data backup, and continuous measurement scanning and histogram analysis. Paired with Bold’s proprietary integration suite, operators can control scan distances, transfer data in CSV format, and generate reports.

For more information about Bold Laser Automation thickness measurement systems and other innovative products, contact sales@boldlaserautomation.com or visit www.boldlaserautomation.com.

To learn more about Bold Laser Automation thickness measurement systems, read our blog:  Where Precision Meets Affordability: Differential Confocal Laser Thickness Measurements.

Femtosecond Laser Processing System Sets New Benchmarks in Micromachining, Cutting, and Scribing

August 22nd, 2024 – Bedford, NH –Bold Laser Automation, Inc., a pioneer in American-made laser technology solutions, proudly unveils its latest system in femtosecond laser micromachining, cutting, and scribing—the LPC2424fs system. Femtosecond laser processing, known for its exceptional precision, is utilized across various industrial sectors such as medical devices, medical engineering, optics, and semiconductors.

Advanced American-Made Technology

Designed and manufactured exclusively in the United States, the LPC series architecture uses a 20-watt, 517 nanometer, femtosecond laser beam delivery system for processing polymers and metals. This innovative configuration ensures versatility and efficiency, catering to applications such as precision hole drilling with zero thermal effects, drug delivery systems, and microfluidic diagnostic operations.

Precision and Versatility in One System

The LPC2424fs combines a pulsed IR laser-based optical system with a precision XYZ motion platform controlled by integrated NC motion control. The green wavelength is ideal for polymer, copper, and ceramics.

“The LPC2424fs system with femtosecond laser processing represents a leap forward in precision laser technology, combining cutting-edge optics with advanced motion control to meet the exacting demands of modern manufacturing,” said Todd E. Lizotte, President and CEO of Bold Laser Automation. “This system is designed to enhance productivity, quality, and operational safety across diverse applications.”

To study the basics of femtosecond laser technology, see our latest knowledge article, “Femtosecond Laser Processing is Essential in Today’s Modern Industrial Environments.”

For more information on how we make these systems affordable, see our recent news story, “A New Method to Lower Costs of Industrial Picosecond and Femtosecond Optical Beam Delivery Systems.”

American-made Tool Delivers Quality and Endurance in Manufacturing

August 1st, 2024 – Elk Grove, IL –In today’s manufacturing mindset, it can be tempting to turn to overseas components that at first seem less costly but have mixed results over time in terms of quality and endurance. Bold Laser Automation Inc, of Bedford, NH, has a success story along these lines.

A long-standing system in the Bold LPC product line, the LPCP1000 CO2 laser skiving system has been performing week in and week out to meet the demands of the Printed Circuit Board market for automotive LED lighting. This LPC system has now been acquired by Circuit Engineering of Elk Grove, IL, as part of its investment in American manufacturing. The system will enable Circuit Engineering to expand its offerings and maintain a competitive edge in the fast-paced electronics PCB industry.

“Circuit Engineering is poised for continued growth, leveraging the advanced capabilities of the LPCP1000 to meet increasing market demands,” said Felix Simon, President and CEO of Circuit Engineering. “The collaboration between Circuit Engineering and Bold Laser Automation reflects a shared commitment to innovation, quality, and the sustained development of American manufacturing excellence.”

The installation of the LPCP1000 was completed within two days, with Todd E. Lizotte, President and CEO of Bold Laser Automation, personally overseeing the process. His hands-on approach not only ensured a seamless transition but also highlighted the remarkable capabilities of its platforms. This level of customer support and dedication to product longevity sets Bold Laser Automation apart as an industry leader.