LPKF celebrates 25 years of ProtoLaser – continuous innovation from infrared to picosecond technology
Garbsen, September 24, 2025 – What began in 1989 as a joint research project between LPKF Laser & Electronics SE and the University of Hannover has evolved into one of LPKF’s most successful product lines: the ProtoLaser family celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025. Since launching the first commercial ProtoLaser in 2000, LPKF has redefined PCB laser structuring and set new standards for electronics prototyping worldwide.
“The ProtoLaser fundamentally changed how electronics prototypes are developed,” says Lars Führmann. “What started as a basic IR laser system is now a comprehensive product family ranging from UV to picosecond lasers, each able to process nearly any electronic material with exceptional precision.”
From Early Beginnings to High Tech
The first market-ready ProtoLaser debuted in 2000 with an external laser source, paving the way for innovation. In 2004 came ProtoLaser 100 with integrated scanner, followed by ProtoLaser S in 2008, which pioneered large processing areas. The breakthrough came in 2012 with ProtoLaser U3 and its UV rubout technology for large-area removal.
Today, the ProtoLaser range covers four specialized systems: ProtoLaser U4 with UV laser (over 300 sold), ProtoLaser S4 (green 532 nm, PCB drilling, nearly 150 installed), ProtoLaser R4 with 1.5-ps pulses for “cold ablation” free from heat-affected zones, and ProtoLaser H4 for high-speed structuring and mechanical processing of thick or multilayer PCBs.
Leap to Atomic Precision
ProtoLasers now process at the atomic level with almost no thermal effect, enabling new application fields. Supported materials include FR4, RF substrates, PTFE, polyimide, ceramics, glass, graphene, and ITO-coated glass, with structure widths down to 15 μm and areas up to 229 × 305 mm.
Innovation Leadership
With over 10% of revenue invested in R&D, ProtoLasers are the standard at leading institutes and high-tech companies worldwide.
Looking ahead
LPKF continues developing new system generations and laser tech to address electronics miniaturization and the future of material diversity.