Laser & Maker Digest - February 9, 2026
Published
Bystronic has completed the acquisition of Coherent Corp's Tools for Materials Processing business, bringing the historic Rofin laser brand under its umbrella and expanding into micro-processing. In maker tech, Fujifilm Dimatix launched the DMP-2850 S, a high-precision materials printer capable of jetting conductive fluids and UV inks for functional electronics prototyping.
Bystronic Acquires Coherent's Laser Processing Unit, Absorbs Rofin Brand
Swiss laser manufacturer Bystronic has officially completed the acquisition of Coherent Corp.'s 'Tools for Materials Processing' business unit. The deal includes the acquisition of the Rofin laser brand, significantly expanding Bystronic's portfolio beyond sheet metal processing into micro-material processing, marking, and semiconductor applications.
This is a major consolidation in the industrial laser market. Rofin was once a giant in its own right before being bought by Coherent; now it moves to Bystronic. For the industry, this signals a shift: companies are looking to own the entire 'photonics value chain' from high-power cutting (Bystronic's core) to precision micro-machining (Rofin's strength). It suggests that the line between 'heavy industry' laser cutting and 'precision' laser processing is blurring as fiber laser technology matures.
💡What this means for you
Acquisition adds Rofin's diode and fiber laser sources to Bystronic's ecosystem. Expands capabilities into vector marking, spot welding, and fine-detail cutting—areas where traditionally only galvo-based systems operated.
Market Position: Strengthens European industrial laser dominance. Competes directly with Trumpf and Han's Laser. For the desktop market, this trickles down as industrial fiber sources (like those used in xTool/Gweike machines) often originate from the R&D budgets of these industrial giants.
- Will the Rofin brand be kept alive or fully absorbed?
- Impact on service/support for existing Rofin/Coherent industrial machines
- Does this accelerate the cost-down curve for mid-power fiber sources?
Fujifilm Launches DMP-2850 S for Functional Material Printing
Fujifilm Dimatix has released the DMP-2850 S, a desktop 'materials printer' designed for R&D and prototyping. Unlike standard inkjets, this system can jet functional fluids like conductive silver, dielectric polymers, and biological fluids onto substrates ranging from silicon and glass to flexible plastics.
While this is a research-grade tool (likely $30k+), it previews the future of 'making'. We're moving from printing shapes (3D printing) to printing functions (electronics, sensors, displays). The DMP-2850 S allows prototyping of flexible circuits and smart skins. It's the high-end cousin of the conductive ink pens and basic PCB printers we see in the maker space. Watch this space—functional printing is where desktop fabrication goes next after we master geometry.
💡What this means for you
Piezoelectric inkjet system capable of handling fluids with viscosities 10-12 cPs. Features a heated vacuum platen, fiducial camera for alignment, and drop-watcher for printhead calibration. Print area ~200x300mm.
Market Position: Niche R&D tool. Competes with Voltera V-One (though Voltera is paste extrusion, not inkjet) and Nano Dimension systems. Represents the 'lab' tier of the printed electronics market.
- Fluid compatibility list
- Software ease-of-use for non-specialists
- Price point relative to previous DMP-2800 series
⏸️ Wait if: You're a hobbyist—this is university/corporate lab gear
✅ Buy if: You run a hardware R&D lab needing in-house PCB/sensor prototyping
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Bystronic acquisition of Rofin mean?▼
It means Bystronic, known for large sheet metal laser cutters, now owns Rofin's precision laser technology. This expands their capabilities into micro-machining and marking, creating a broader portfolio of industrial laser solutions under one roof.
What is a 'materials printer' like the Fujifilm DMP-2850 S?▼
A materials printer jets functional fluids instead of colored ink. It uses conductive, dielectric, or biological inks to print electronic circuits, sensors, or other active devices directly onto surfaces like plastic or glass. It's used for prototyping 'smart' objects.