Domino make new mark

Cambridge-based Domino Printing Sciences has announced the acquisition of solid state laser marking specialist Photon Energy and its subsidiary, NWL Lasertechnologie for €4m.

Based in Ottensoos, Germany, both companies are active in solid-state laser marking technologies such as Nd:YAG, plus vanadate and fibre lasers, which are used in plastic and metal parts marking and surface decoration applications.

Photon Energy and NWL bring almost 20 years of industrial experience to Domino, where they will continue to be led by Dr Hans Amler, currently general manager of both companies.

The Photon Energy product range incorporates laser source technology for solid-state lasers operating at a wavelength of one micron (1064nm) and derivatives (532nm). Photon Energy products are used widely in the manufacturing sector, with an installed base incorporating Siemens, MTU Aircraft Engines, General Motors and BMW.

Nigel Bond, Domino's group managing director, commented, ‘We have made this acquisition to address the growing demand from our customer base for solid state laser systems and to expand Domino's reach into the automotive, aircraft, electronic, tool and medical sectors currently served by the Photon Group.

‘The acquisition is a logical extension of our existing CO2 laser business which principally serves the coding and marking requirements of the food, beverage, pharmaceutical and tobacco sectors.’