Oxford Lasers A Series Micromachining System

A SERIES

Precision Laser Micromachining Workstation

Impressive Capabilities. Designed for Exceptional Work.

Green Femtosecond | IR Femtosecond | Green Nanosecond

Why Choose A Series?

Our Bestseller - Ultra-High Precision Laser Micromachining for R&D and Pilot Production

Offering research and advanced manufacturing organisations a micromachining workstation that provides the precision they need for ground-breaking projects and a prototyping tool for exceptional work.

Versatile Multi-Material and Applications System in a Compact Footprint

The most compact of our systems, the A Series provides a serious list of capabilities as standard from the ability to process any material to an extensive range of application tasks - cutting, drilling, milling, scribing, thin-film patterning, and texturing.

Decades of Expertise and Industry Knowledge

Oxford Lasers' long-term history provides a solid foundation of industry and application knowledge that academia and industry have trusted since 1977. Our established in-house application laboratory provides our customers the assurance that the systems we build are backed by PhD level teams ready to apply their expertise to your application needs.

Technical Specifications

The A Series provides optimised solutions to accelerate your project with three standard configured laser variations. The choice of lasers covers a wide-range of applications, use cases and customer needs. Prefer something different than what is listed? Our high-performance systems are fully customisable. We work with you at each step of way to create your optimum workstation matched to your application.

Green Femtosecond

Highest Precision, Minimal Thermal Effects

3 W standard (10 W and 20 W options) – Wavelength 515 nm

This is the highest precision system of the three standard variations
Particularly suited for the smallest and most delicate features, highest selectivity, and materials that do not readily absorb
The laser can process virtually any material and is best suited for environments where small volume, high precision, and flexibility are paramount
At lower power, this system has minimal thermal effects and a good choice for thin-film patterning
Suitable materials: Metals, ceramics, glasses, polymers, other transparent materials and non-metals

IR Femtosecond

High Precision, Minimal Thermal Effects

5 W standard (20 W and 40 W options) – Wavelength 1030 nm

Maintains a very high level of precision, cleanliness and flexibility, with a focus on improved throughput
The IR allows for utilisation of higher power to remove larger and deeper volumes across a wide range of materials and shapes with minimal unwanted effects
At lower power, this system has minimal thermal effects and another good choice for thin-film patterning
Suitable materials: Metals, ceramics, glasses, polymers, other transparent materials and non-metals, mixed layer materials

Green Nanosecond

High Throughput, Larger Features

10 W standard – Wavelength 532 nm

A good all around system optimised for high material removal rate and cost effectiveness
Higher powered for laser micromachining thicker materials and perfect for larger designs where throughput is key, while still maintaining the required level of precision
Suitable materials: Metals, ceramics, diamond, silicon

Material Processing Capabilities	Micromilling, drilling, cutting, scribing, etching, surface texturing, thin-film patterning (femtosecond lasers). Optional microwelding
Beam Delivery	Dual axis high-speed galvo scanner with telecentric lens for larger field of view Range of fixed optics. For femtosecond lasers, optional microscope objective for ultimate precision Power measurement at the workpiece Motorised attenuation (5%-100%)
Workspace Stability	Substantial granite load frame mounted on steel chassis wtih anti-vibration feet for ultimate thermal and mechanical stability
Positioning System	400 mm x 300 mm XY servo motor stages, 0.005 μm resolution, +/- 0.5 μm repeatability 150 mm Z-axis servo motor stage and brake, 1 μm resolution, +/- 1 μm repeatability Optional rotary axis for cylindrical micromachining
Workpiece Holding	General purpose clamping jig suitable for a range of materials and sizes Optional vacuum jig Custom / application-specific fixtures available on request
Alignment Systems	Manual or fully automated workpiece alignment via: AutoAlign: vision-based integrated software system to align to local or global fiducials AutoFocus: Contact-free surface detection system with options for matte or highly reflective materials Automatic Z height positioning
Machine Vision	In-line camera (1.6 MP) provides direct, real-time visibility of laser operation and workpiece alignment. Visualisation resolution dependent on choice of machining optics High-resolution inspection camera (12 MP) for post-process imaging, enabling feature verification, dimensional measurement, high-precision alignment, and quality control (1 μm resolution femtosecond systems, 3 μm resolution nanosecond system) System enclosure camera for gross process monitoring, overall system overview, and enhanced operator situational awareness
Software	Fully integrated real-time control of all system elements via Cimita™ software User access controls to define operator permission levels CADCAM / post processor packages optimised for laser micromachining, accepts all common CAD file formats Pre-programmed functions for standard / repeat operations
Environment and Safety	Laser Class 1 enclosure, fully interlocked with remote fume extraction Air-cooled laser sources (3 W femtosecond, 5 W femtosecond and 10 W nanosecond systems). All other laser options water cooled. CE marked
Dimensions	System (depending on options): 1470 mm W x 1500 mm D x 2150 mm H (includes safety lights) Extractor: 300 mm W x 300 mm D x 460 mm H
Weight	Approx. 1600 kg (dependent upon options)
Power	230 VAC +/- 10%, <3 kW

Applications and Materials - A Series

The A Series is a versatile laser micromachining workstation designed for processing any material to create features across a range of application uses in precision manufacturing and research. We provide your organisation with a whole micromachining solution based on your application needs.

Micromilling

The A Series is excellent choice for selective removal of a substrate from virtually any material – from soft plastics to hard ceramics and metals including transparent materials such as glass/fused silica, sapphire, and diamond. Micromilling capabilities enable your scientific and production teams to create precision micro features – from milling out micro pockets to creating precision channels, grooves or micro pillars at the micron level. Give your lab the ultimate precision system tool.

Microdrilling

Imagine what you can achieve with the A-Series workstations for producing ultra-high precision holes of any shape in any material. The possibilities are wide open, adapting to your needs from a single hole to thousands per component. Oxford Lasers will provide you expert guidance on your drilling needs and the hole geometries to achieve your next scientific or production breakthrough.

Microcutting

Use the A-Series workstations to benefit from its ultra-fine cutting capabilities of nearly any material – from soft plastics to hard ceramics, and from metals to transparent materials such as glass/fused silica, sapphire and diamond. Oxford Lasers designs each A-Series system to meet your organisation’s application requirement for ultra-high definition micromachining.

Microscribing

Create clean, fine micro scribes on most materials from soft plastics to hard ceramics including transparent materials. The A-Series micromachine functionality with easy-to-use Cimita software can help you create ultra-fine patterns to scribe and cleanly dice your substrates.

Microetching

Create intricate patterns on substrate surfaces with the power and precision of an A Series laser system. Our in-depth knowledge of laser micromachining techniques will guide you on optimal use of your A Series to make microetching a possibility for your laboratory.

Surface Texturing

The Oxford Lasers’ A-Series micromachining system has the precision for ultra-fine substrate surface modification in metals, ceramics, polymers and glass. By altering the surface texture with micro and nanostructures of varying density and shapes, material properties can be changed affecting their ability to retain or repel liquids (“wettability”), reduce or increase friction and management of light.

Thin-Film Patterning

Oxford Lasers’ femtosecond A-Series workstations provide laboratories the fine-tuned ability to create selective laser surface ablation of varying density and shapes in metals, polymers and glass. The A-Series systems, matched with Oxford Lasers expert application knowledge, can create a variety of fine features and circuit patterns without the need for a mask. It quickly removes a thin layer of a substrate – down to the nanometer range – without damaging the underlying material. Oxford Lasers’ advantage provides your organisation the ability for in-house, fast, high-quality thin-film removal. Contact us now for a quote.

Modules and Options

Three standard configured variations provide a faster choice to achieve a wide-range of applications. Need something slightly different? Our high-performance systems can be customised. Options and upgrades suited to meet your microprocessing requirements. We work with you to achieve your next scientific or production breakthrough.

Options and Upgrades	Green Femtosecond	IR Femtosecond	Green Nanosecond
Power (Watt) Standard	3 W	5 W	10 W
Power (Watt) Options	10 W, 20 W	20 W, 40 W
Material Processing Capabilities: Upgrade for Microwelding Capability
Beam Delivery: Optional Microscope Objective
Positioning System: Optional Rotary Axis for Cylindrical Component Micromachining
Workpiece Holding: Optional Vacuum Jig
Workpiece Holding:Customisation for Application-Specific Fixtures
Software: Pre-programming customised to your standard and repeat operations
Environment and Safety: Air-Cooled Laser Source	3 W system	5 W system	10 W system
Environment and Safety: Water-Cooled Laser Source	10 W, 20 W systems	20 W system 40 W system

Industries and Applications

Oxford Lasers is a trusted designer and producer of precision microprocesing systems customised to applications in advanced manufacturing industries and academia around the world. Our bestselling A Series workstation is our most compact footprint system and brings with it the Oxford Lasers advantage of customised capabilities matched to the application requirements through our nearly 50 years of material processing knowledge.

Semiconductor

For leading semiconductor manufacturers seeking to bring ultra‑precise micromachining in‑house, Oxford Lasers’ A‑Series workstation is an automatic choice. As our bestselling platform, the A Series is backed by decades of application expertise in advanced semiconductor material processing. Engineered for exceptional precision and highly configurable to specific process requirements, it is ideally suited for R&D, prototyping, and the development of next‑generation components. The A Series delivers results across a wide range of semiconductor materials, including glass, silicon, silicon nitride, palladium, and more.

As miniaturisation continues to drive the semiconductor industry forward, the A Series empowers manufacturers with the confidence to process their chosen materials wtih precision at the tightest tolerances

Universities and Academia

The Oxford Lasers A Series is a trusted laser platform for university science and engineering departments. Perfectly designed for flexibility in applications, it delivers ultra‑high‑precision processing across multiple materials, supporting publishable research, grant‑funded projects, and long‑term research programmes. Used by leading universities worldwide and backed by nearly five decades of application expertise, the A Series helps institutions stay at the forefront of laser microprocessing capabilities while strengthening their scientific reputation.

Used by leading universities worldwide, the A Series helps institutions stay at the forefront of laser microprocessing capabilities for publishable material, grant-funded projects and research programmes

Aerospace

Oxford Lasers’ A Series workstation provides a secure in-house ultra-precision tool for laser processing of microelectronic and aerospace components across virtually any material, reducing supply‑chain risk while maintaining full control over quality, IP, and compliance. Backed by Oxford Lasers’ track record as a vetted supplier to ultra‑high‑precision scientific organisations including NASA, the A Series is engineered to deliver prototypes and precision parts precisely to specification making it an ideal platform for advanced aerospace applications.

The Oxford lasers A Series delivers trusted UK-engineered laser microprocessing – bringing ultra-high precision, compliance and prototype capability in-house for aerospace and microelectronics organisations

Automotive

Rapid innovation in automotive technology demands continuous development of precision components. Delivering high-precision microprocessing where quality and consistency are critical, the A series delivers value to the Automotive sector. Oxford Lasers supports innovation through precision laser microdrilling, milling and cutting down to the micron level to achieve ultra-high precision fuel injectors and precision parts.

The A Series supports tight tolerances for production of complex microscale features to move the automotive industry forward

Defence

For development engineering teams requiring an in-house precision microprocessing system, Oxford Lasers is a trusted, approved supplier. The A Series workstation delivers ultra-high precision microprocessing for positioning, navigation and timing applications – enabling exceptional thin-film patterning, micro cutting and drilling of ceramics, silicon, diamond and more. In the processing of microelectronic components and backed by decades of experience, we partner with the most advanced organisations to deliver proven, future-ready laser processing systems.

Backed by decades of experience, we partner with global organisations to deliver proven, future ready microprocessing systems

Medical Technology

Cutting-edge medical devices begin with advanced research tools. The development of ultra-high precision sensors – such as those used in ultrasound probes – demands micromachining technologies capable of delivering accuracy at the micro scale. With demonstrated expertise in the precision laser processing of PZT and other functional materials, the A Series enables controlled, low-damage laser micromachining to support sensor development, miniaturisation and design iteration.

Giving engineers and scientists the process control, flexibility, and precision required to move from concept prototyping to validated medical-grade solutions

Quantum Technology

Laser micromachining is a critical technique for the development and precision microfabrication of quantum technology components. Creating ion traps, quantum sensors and processors requires laser technology systems matched with knowledge of material processing. Oxford Lasers’ systems enable the evolution of quantum networking.

Oxford Lasers ultrafast laser systems create complex, high-precision features in diamond and crystalline materials critical for quantum engineering microfabrication

Research and Development

Research and Development teams rely upon Oxford Lasers A Series workstations to deliver ultra-high precision micromachining on the projects that demand flexibility on material laser processing, a long-term systems life, and the ability to draw on nearly 50 years of laser processing knowledge. Oxford Lasers empowers you to make your next scientific or production breakthrough with an advanced processing tool suited to your research application needs across industries and academia.

Oxford lasers A Series delivers R&D teams the answer for a precision laser processing system backed by nearly 50 years of material microprocessing knowledge

Research Publications - A Series

With a proven track record, the flexible laser micromachining workstation provides confidence in ultra-high precision microfeatures to enable scientific investigations and breakthroughs.

Internal resistive heating of non-metallic samples to 3000 K and >60 GPa in the diamond anvil cell
Application: Earth Sciences, diamond anvil cell experiments (high-pressure research)

Publication link: Review of Scientific Instruments, 92(6): 063904

Rapid in-situ plasma functionalization of carbon nanotubes for improved CNT/epoxy composites
Application: Carbon nanotubes

Publication URL: https://doi.org/10.1039/C6RA23103A

Effects of laser cutting on the structural and mechanical properties of carbon nanotube assemblages
Application: Carbon nanotubes

Publication URL: https://doi.org/10.1039/C6RA23103A

Flexible Micro-supercapacitor based on graphene with 3D structure
Application: Graphene, micro-supercapacitor

Publication URL: https://doi.org/10.1039/C6RA23103A

Flexible low-voltage carbon nanotube heaters and their applications
Application: Carbon nanotubes

Publication URL: https://doi.org/10.1039/C6RA23103A

A simple and robust fabrication process for SU-8 in-plane MEMS structures
Application: MEMs

Publication URL: https://doi.org/10.3390/mi11030317

Science on a small scale
Application: Microfluidics

Publication link (opens in PDF): Queens University Alumni Review

Quantification and modeling of mechanical degradation in lithium-ion batteries based on nanoscale imaging
Application: Sample Preparation (nano-CT)

Publication URL: https://doi.org/10.3390/mi11030317

Engineering the translaminar fracture behaviour of thin-ply composites
Application: Microrobotics

Publication URL: https://doi.org/10.3390/mi11030317

Bio-inspired microstructure design to immprove translaminar fracture toughness of thin-ply composites
Application: Microrobotics

Publication link (opens in PDF): Proceedings ICCM20

Realising damage-tolerant nacre-inspired CFRP
Application: Microrobotics

Publication URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmps.2018.04.004

Laser-preparation of geometrically optimised samples for X-ray nano-CT
Application: Sample Preparation (nano-CT)

Publication URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/jmi.12577

Quantifying the anisotropy and tortuosity of permeable pathways in clay-rich mudstones using models based on X-ray tomography
Application: Sample Preparation (nano-CT)

Publication URL: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-14810-1

4D nano-tomography of electrochemical energy devices using lab-based X-ray imaging
Application: Sample Preparation (nano-CT)

Publication URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nanoen.2018.03.001

Evaluating microstructure evolution in an SOFC electrode using digital volume correlation
Application: Sample Preparation (CT)

Publication URL: https://doi.org/10.1039/C8SE00292D

Visualising the carbon binder phase of battery electrodes in three dimensions
Application: Sample Preparation (nano-CT)

Publication URL: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsaem.8b00501

Thermally driven SOFC degradation in 4D: Part I. Microscale
Application: Sample Preparation (nano-CT)

Publication URL: https://doi.org/10.1149/2.0151811jes

Thermally driven SOFC degradation in 4D: Part II. Microscale
Application: Sample Preparation (nano-CT)

Publication URL: https://doi.org/10.1149/2.0061811jes

Empowering Scientific and Production Breakthroughs Across Industries

Information Gathering: Application Requirements

Before we generate a quote, we review your application needs. These specifications can be generated jointly:

Material to process
Thickness, dimensions and geometry
Expected quality of machined parts
Tolerances
Machine throughput
Timelines
Any other relevant parameter

Knowledge in Action: Feasibility Studies

Our laser experts will work with your requirements to generate samples. At the end, we will provide you a report to summarise the feasibility of your project application.

Analysis of your application and translation to engineering requirements
Production of samples
Testing and validation
Report of findings

Making it Real: From Concept to Machine

We will start by reviewing your results to determine if they can be achieved with one of our proven standard solutions. Next, we will explore tailored customisation options to ensure we can deliver solutions that perfectly meet your needs. We are committed to anticipating your future needs and embracing bold, forward-thinking innovations – pushing the boundaries of what is possible with our machines.

Designs for your application needs
Shorter lead times and cost effectiveness with standard platforms without compromising quality
Stay ahead of the curve through customised solutions

Sustained Partnership: After-Sales Support

We do not stop after manufacturing and installation of your system. We continue to support you through our dedicated After-Sales team and expert Applications Laboratory – providing hands-on or remote support designed to fit your specific requirements. As your trusted partner, we provide you complete laser technology and technique solutions for long-term success.

Access to our highly skilled engineers and applications specialists
Peace of mind to support your sustained production and application use
Enhance performance and extend system life

Laser Systems Comparison Table

Product	Description	Laser Type	Wavelength Options	Dimensions (W x D in mm)	Weight
A Series	Bestseller laser system for R&D and Production	nanosecond or femtosecond	355nm/532nm/1064nm	1470 x 1500 x 2150	up to 1600kg
C Series	High throughput production system	nanosecond, picosecond or femtosecond	355nm/532nm/1064nm	2800 x 1700 x 2040	up to 2700kg
J Series	Largest, high-powered system with multiwavelength option	up to any two of: nanosecond, picosecond or femtosecond	Up to any two of: 355nm/532nm/1064nm	Dependent on final laser type and options	Dependent on final laser type and options
SamplePrep Tool	Preconfigured system for preparing micro samples for X-ray microscopy (XRM)	Diode pumped solid state (DPSS)	355nm/532nm/1064nm	1470 x 1200 x 2150	1200kg