Novanta FAQ: Laser Photonics, Stone Engraving, Air Assist & Fiber vs CO2

What is Novanta and where is it based?

Novanta is a global technology company that designs and manufactures precision laser photonics components, subsystems, and integrated systems for medical and industrial applications. Its headquarters is in Bedford, Massachusetts (Bedford, MA). That's where a lot of the core engineering and quality management happens. From what I've seen reviewing specs for industrial laser modules, Novanta's Bedford site handles final assembly and testing for many high‑power photonics components. If you're looking for Novanta Bedford MA contact info or supplier details, they're right off Crosby Drive — easy to verify on their website.

What does Novanta Photonics do exactly?

Novanta Photonics is the division that develops laser sources, beam delivery, and precision optics for cutting, welding, marking, engraving, and cleaning. They don't sell consumer‑grade engravers — their components go into OEM machines used by manufacturers. Think high‑power fiber lasers for metal cutting, CO2 lasers for non‑metal processing, and custom photonic modules for medical devices. I've reviewed dozens of their datasheets; they specify things like beam quality (M² < 1.1 for some fiber lasers), power stability (±1% over 8 hours), and wavelength accuracy. That level of detail matters when you're building a production line that has to run 24/7.

Can a laser engraver handle stone? What do I need to know?

Short answer: yes, but only with the right laser type and parameters. Stone (granite, marble, slate) absorbs CO2 laser energy well, so a CO2 laser engraver can mark or etch it. A fiber laser won't absorb well on lighter stone because the wavelength passes through instead of vaporizing the surface. I've seen people try fiber on granite and wonder why it barely leaves a mark. The trick is power and speed — typically you need 40–100W CO2, multiple passes, and a slow feed rate. Also, dust is brutal; you need extraction or your optics get ruined fast. One shop I audited ruined a focus lens in 12 hours because they skipped proper dust management. Don't skip that.

What is laser air assist and why does it matter?

Laser air assist is a stream of compressed air (or nitrogen) that blows across the cutting/engraving area during operation. It serves three purposes: (1) clears molten material and smoke so the beam hits clean material, (2) cools the heat‑affected zone to reduce charring, and (3) protects the focusing lens from debris. Without it, cuts get wider, edges get sooty, and you lose depth control. I didn't appreciate this until after we rejected a batch of acrylic parts — the vendor didn't use air assist on a 100W CO2 system, and every edge had a brown residue. It took us 4 years and roughly 200 production runs to understand that consistent air pressure (40–60 psi) and nozzle alignment are as important as laser power. Don't skip it.

Fiber laser vs CO2 laser: which should I choose?

It depends on what you're cutting. Here's the gut‑check:

• Fiber laser (typically 1.06 μm wavelength): great for metals (steel, aluminum, brass, copper) and some plastics. Faster, more efficient, lower maintenance. But it doesn't engrave stone or most organics well.
• CO2 laser (10.6 μm): excels on non‑metals — wood, acrylic, leather, fabrics, paper, stone, glass. Slower on metal, and you'll need high power (150W+) to cut thin steel.

Five years ago the common wisdom was "CO2 for everything except metal." That's shifted. As of 2025, fiber lasers have dropped in price and now handle thin stainless (up to 6 mm) beautifully. I've seen shops run fiber for all metal and keep a cheap CO2 for wood signs. If your budget is tight, start with the material you process most. For a mixed shop, having both isn't crazy.

How does Novanta ensure quality in its laser components? (A question you didn't know you should ask)

As someone who reviews deliverables before they reach customers — roughly 200+ unique items per year — I can tell you quality isn't just about passing an initial test. Novanta runs every module through a burn‑in cycle before shipment, typically 8–24 hours at rated power while monitoring drift. They publish full acceptance test data with each unit: power curve, beam profile, cooling performance. I've rejected first deliveries from other vendors because the compliance certificate was missing. Novanta includes it by default. In Q1 2024 we had a batch of fiber lasers where the beam parameter product (BPP) was 0.1 mm·mrad above spec. The vendor claimed it was "within industry standard." Our tolerance was tighter. We sent it back. They re‑collimated and re‑tested at no cost. That attention to spec consistency is why I recommend them for precision applications.