Abstract: The invention relates to a method for assembling an adhesive device comprising a first matrix-forming material with holes and a second material, the method comprising: (a) compose the first matrix-forming material with holes; (b) compose the second material with a Tm lower than the Tm of the first material, while enabling increase in the Tm of the second material; (c) assemble the adhesive device by filling the holes of the first matrix-forming material of step (a) with the deformable second material of step (b) at a temperature where the second material is deformable and the first material is non-deformable; (d) increase the Tm of the second material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for producing coils (9) with longitudinal sections (9a) and narrow deflection bends (9b) by winding wires (8) on winding mandrels (4) with complementary cross sections with the supply of heating energy and subsequent fixing by cooling. To attain the object to rule out the spring rebounds of the coils (9) at the points of narrowest radii of curvature as far as possible and to produce coils (9) with high precision with high efficiency, it is proposed according to the invention that the heating energy is brought to act on the coils (9) at least mainly in the region of the narrow deflection bends (9b). This can be carried out by the targeted application of heating gases or hot air, laser radiation, contact heating, plasma radiation and ultrasound.

Abstract: A process for preparing for casting is provided and includes forming a cast component defining an interior having a complex and/or irregular shape, introducing a non-solid material into the cast component interior and solidifying the non-solid material to form an inner shell, forming an outer shell about the cast component and removing the cast component from between the inner and outer shells.

Abstract: A method for producing continuous-fiber-reinforced molded parts from thermoplastic plastics. The method includes several steps. In a first step, preparing cut-to-size, substantially flat, unidirectionally fiber-reinforced mats are prepared with a thermoplastic matrix which at least partially surrounds the fibers. In a second step, the mats are transferred to a workpiece carrier which predetermines the rough contour of the molded part. In a third step, the mats are deposited and progressively built up on the workpiece carrier to form a three-dimensional preform such that the fiber orientation of the mats is adapted to the forces applied during the subsequent use of the molded part and to the load paths resulting therefrom within the molded part. In a fourth step, the mats are secured in place relative to each other during or after completion of the build-up of the perform. In a fifth step, the preform is heated up to or above the melting temperature of the thermoplastic matrix of the perform.

Abstract: Apparatus for stamping and cutting a plastic part includes a housing for accommodating a stamping press. The stamping press has a lower tool part, an upper tool part, and a drive for moving the lower and upper tool parts in relation to one another. A robot having a robot arm is constructed to move into a work zone of the stamping press, when the stamping press is open and thereby enable a laser device disposed on the robot arm to perform suitable cutting operations of the plastic part.

Abstract: The invention seeks to increase the sealing property and the reliability of an electronic device by suppressing cracks, fractures and the like of a glass substrate at the time of laser sealing. A glass substrate 3 has a sealing region. On the sealing region, a sealing material layer 5 comprising a glass material for sealing containing a low-expansion filler and a laser absorbent is provided. The glass material for sealing contains no low-expansion filler particles having particle sizes exceeding the thickness T of the sealing material layer 5 and contains low-expansion filler particles having particle sizes within a range of from 0.5T to 1T based on the thickness T of the sealing material layer 5 in a volume ratio of from 0.1 to 50%. Such a glass substrate 3 and a glass substrate 2 having an element-formed region provided with an electronic element are laminated, and the sealing material layer 5 is irradiated with a laser light 6 and melted to bond the glass substrates 2 and 3.

Abstract: A component for use in an engine in which the component is subjected to at least one of a high temperature, a corrosive atmosphere, an oxidizing atmosphere, a high mechanical load, a cyclic thermal load and transient conditions such that the component is prone to crack formation and propagation. At least one base material includes a self healing system in a form of an added active phase, the self healing system including at least one of a melting point depressant and a substance having a softening or a melting point below or within a range of an operating temperature of the component.

Abstract: According to said method, a first passage (28) having a predefined geometry is provided in a mask (4), the mask is placed in such a way that said first passage is located facing a mounting (26), a film made of a first material (A) is deposited on the mounting through the passage, and said first thus-deposited material is treated by a laser beam so as to form a first area that is made up of the first material and belongs to a first layer of said object. Then the above operations are repeated with a second material so as to form an adjacent area made up of said second material that belongs to the same layer.

Abstract: A method is provided for removing a resin layer of a resin-coated metal tube. The resin layer is removed with a laser beam. More particularly, the resin layer of a desired range is burned out by focusing the laser beam into a pinpoint without defocusing the sectional shape of the laser beam in the axial direction o the resin-coated metal tube.

Abstract: With the invention, a method and a device for explosive forming of work pieces, in which at least one work piece is arranged in at least one die and there deformed by means of an explosive to be ignited, is to be improved, in that an ignition mechanism that is technically easy to handle is produced with the shortest possible setup times, which permits the most precise possible ignition of the explosive with time-repeatable accuracy. This task is solved by a method and device, in which at least one work piece is arranged in at least one die and deformed there by means of an explosive being ignited, in which the explosive is ignited by means of at least one energy beam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polyoxymethylene (POM) powder for use in a selective laser sintering process and having the following parameters: Isothermal crystallization time (at 152° C.) >3 min Mn from 22 000 to 25 000 g/mol Mw from 60 000 to 140 000 g/mol Mw/Mn from 3 to 5 MVR from 15 to 70 [cm3/10 min] d50 average particle size 60 ?m Particle size from 30 to 130 ?m. A process for producing the powder, and also moldings produced from this powder by a selective laser sintering process, are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for joining objects made of metal, plastic or ceramic by means of heat input such as soldering or welding, wherein materials such as particles, in particular nanoparticles, elements, atoms, molecules or ions are introduced into the joint. It is proposed according to the invention that a gas stream brings gaseous compounds to the joint which decompose at elevated temperature and deposit particles.

Abstract: A method for engraving an image on a surface of an article selected from a group consisting of brick, ceramic tile, concrete pavers and natural stone articles, comprising providing a laser engraving apparatus comprising a steerable laser beam, steering the laser beam continuously over a first beam path on the surface to provide an engraved image and repeatedly traversing the laser beam over a path substantially parallel to the first beam path and incrementally spaced therefrom to define a perimeter of the engraved image. The method further comprises steering the laser beam within an infill area defined by the perimeter of the engraved image to provide a plurality of engraved segments extending within infill area.

Abstract: A method of forming articles having closed microchannels includes the steps of providing a substrate including a composite material, the composite having metal nanoparticles dispersed in a polymer matrix. The substrate is irradiated with a laser beam at an intensity and time sufficient to selectively remove the polymer below a surface of said substrate to form at least one microchannel, wherein the intensity and time is low enough to avoid removing the polymer above the microchannel, wherein an article having at least one closed microchannel is formed. A metal nanoparticle/polymer composite composition can have functionality that can undergo addition reactions to seal or join pieces of polymers or composites upon irradiation of the composition placed on one or more pieces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for guiding and distributing high-energy radiation (18), in particular laser radiation, in the tool base body (7) of a bending die (3), in particular a V-shaped die (13), comprising a bending recess (11) in the tool base body (7) and a beam exit opening (17) arranged therein for locally heating a workpiece (2) bearing against a contact surface (10) of the bending die (3) by introducing high-energy radiation (18) from a radiation source (20) arranged outside the tool base body (7) into the tool base body (7) through a beam entry opening (22) and high-energy radiation (18) is discharged to the bending recess (11) through the beam exit opening (17).

Abstract: The inventive method for forming nano-dimensional clusters consists in introducing a solution containing a cluster-forming material into nano-pores of natural or artificial origin contained in a substrate material and in subsequently exposing said solution to a laser radiation pulse in such a way that a low-temperature plasma producing a gaseous medium in the domain of the existence thereof, wherein a cluster material is returned to a pure material by the crystallization thereof on a liquid substrate while the plasma is cooling, occurs, thereby forming mono-crystal quantum dots spliced with the substrate material. Said method makes it possible to form two- or three-dimensional cluster lattices and clusters spliced with each other from different materials. The invention also makes it possible to produce wires from different materials in the substrate nano-cavities and the quantum dots from the solution micro-drops distributed through an organic material applied to a glass.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a deformable platform and a laser delivery system. The deformable platform has a surface capable of changing to conform to a shape of an object as the object is being manufactured during a sintering process. The laser delivery system is capable of sintering powder on the deformable platform to manufacture the object.

Abstract: A method is provided for a ablating dilation beads on a balloon with a laser. The laser removes integral dilation beads from the neck regions and/or the tapered regions of a blow molded balloon. Part of the neck portions of the dilation beads may remain on the body of the balloon after the dilation beads have been removed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of a die for the production of a surface-structured coating which can be bonded to a sheet-like substrate, in particular a leather or a textile material, and which is formed by application of a liquid plastic material to the surface of the die and subsequent solidification of the plastic material, the die having a surface structure corresponding to the surface structure of the coating, wherein the surface structure of the die is produced by laser engraving.

Abstract: An expanded graphite is derived from a graphitic or partially graphitic starting material selected from the group consisting of natural graphite, compressed expanded graphite, partially oxidized graphite and/or graphite fibers having a BET surface area of >30 m2/g. The expanded graphite is obtained by reaction of the starting material with substances capable of intercalation or mixtures of substances capable of intercalation to give a compound designated as an intercalation compound and subsequent expansion in plasma.

Abstract: A BCA mark is applied prior to molding of optical recording media. A stamper including a BCA code is formed. The stamper including the BCA code is used in the molding of optical recording discs. This technique can be used in manufacturing of read-only type discs, recordable discs, rewritable discs, hybrid discs, discs readable from both disc sides, discs having multiple information layers, high-density discs, etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the generation of raised and/or recessed structures on workpieces comprising the steps: applying a pressure difference between one side of a wall of the workpiece and another side substantially opposite thereto; local heating of the wall of the workpiece to a softening temperature of the workpiece by a heat source in order to induce local deformation of the wall of the workpiece; and cooling of the workpiece. The invention relates, moreover, to an apparatus for carrying out this method.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating veins and venous conditions, such as chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency, are provided. In one aspect, the disclosed subject matter provides an intraluminal scaffold having a generally tubular body with a lumen defined therethrough, the tubular body having a compressed condition for delivery and an expanded condition for implant within a vessel having a distended portion, at least a length of the tubular body configured to form an enlarged portion in the expanded condition to engage a wall of the distended portion of the vessel. Methods for fabricating and using the scaffold, methods for remodeling a vein, and methods of deploying a medical device in a vessel without negatively impacting the function of a valve of the vessel, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter apparatus having a cylindrical housing and a plurality of hollow fibers, with the hollow fibers being combined to form a bundle in the housing and being embedded and held in each case at the end sides in a molding compound. The invention furthermore relates to a method for the manufacture of a filter apparatus, to a rotation apparatus and its use for the manufacture of a filter apparatus as well as to a dialysis machine having a filter apparatus.

Abstract: A housing includes a main body having an interface and a plastic portion molded on the interface. The main body defines a nanostructure in the interface. The nanostructure includes a plurality of regular, repeating units. A pitch between the adjacent units is in the range from 10 nanometers to 500 nanometers. A height of each unit is in the range from 10 nanometers to 100 nanometers. A surface roughness of the nanostructure is in the range from 1 nanometer to 10 nanometers.

Abstract: A method for making a forming structure. The steps of the method include providing a forming unit, providing a backing film, providing a foraminous element, employing liquid photosensitive resin to form the forming structure, and laser machining a plurality of generally columnar protrusions into the forming structure.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optical disc master using an existing exposure system, and a method for manufacturing an optical disc having higher recording capacity. The method for manufacturing an optical disc, using a master to produce the optical disc having an irregular pattern thereon, the master being produced by the steps of forming a resist layer composed of a resist material including an incomplete oxide of a transition metal such as W or Mo on a substrate, the oxygen content of the incomplete oxide being smaller than the oxygen content of the stoichiometric composition corresponding to a valence of the transition metal; selectively exposing the resist layer with laser according to a recording signal pattern using a light source with an irradiation power that is less than an irradiation threshold power at which exposure of the resist starts; and developing the resist layer to form the predetermined irregular pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lining assembly (14), characterized in that it comprises: a skin (18) having first (20) and second (22) opposed surfaces, the first surface (20) being intended to be in contact with a support block (12) of a tire mould, and a plurality of lining elements (24) projecting from the second surface (22) of the skin (18), the lining elements being intended to form tread patterns on a portion of a radially external surface of a tire.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of generating a hole or recess or well in an electrically insulating or semiconducting substrate, and to a hole or recess or well in a substrate generated by this method. The invention also relates to an array of holes or recesses or wells in a substrate generated by the method. The invention also relates to a device for performing the method according to the present invention.

Abstract: In a film bonding machine 1 including a laser oscillation means 2 for oscillating laser for processing a tape 7 bonded onto an end surface 8 of a columnar honeycomb structural body 6 by the laser oscillated from the laser oscillation means 2, the film bonding machine 1 further includes an image pick-up means 3 having a moving type or tilt type mirror 4 capable of reflecting the end surface 8 of the honeycomb structural body 6 onto the same axis as the laser oscillation means 2 by reflected light and an image pick-up unit 5 for picking up the image of the end surface 8 of the honeycomb structural body 6 reflected by the mirror 4. In the film bonding machine 1, the processing position of the tape 7 bonded onto the end surface 8 of the honeycomb structural body 6 can be recognized by the image-pick means 3 on the same axis as the laser oscillation means 2. As a result, the tape bonded onto the end surface of the honeycomb structural body can be accurately processed by the laser.

Abstract: A method for making a forming structure. In one embodiment the method comprises the steps of (a) providing a base material having a thickness; (b) providing a laser source; (c) laser etching a plurality of spaced-apart apertures, each aperture extending through the entire thickness of the base material, such that the non-laser-etched portions of the base material define a continuous network; and (d) laser etching the continuous network to remove material in a pattern that defines a plurality of protrusions, each protrusion being generally columnar and pillar-like. The plurality of protrusions can be laser etched first, before laser etching the plurality of spaced-apart apertures. The base material can be cylindrical-shaped and the laser etching can be accomplished in a continuous process by rotating the cylindrical-shaped base material as a laser source is operatively translated while laser etching a path similar to “threads” of a screw.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for smoothing a surface of an optical element with a laser. Firstly, an optical element having a rough surface is provided. Next, the rough surface of the optical element is illuminated with a laser. The rough surface absorbs laser energy and melts into a liquid. The liquid is stretched and planarized by the surface tension of the rough surface and then solidifies into a smooth surface. The present invention can smooth the surface of an optical element and promote the resonant or waveguide performance of the optical element.

Abstract: Catheters, balloons, and methods of manufacturing balloons for balloon catheters using lasers are disclosed. A catheter with a shaft sized for use with a 0.014 inch guide wire includes a polymeric balloon having a body portion with an inflated outer diameter of more than 6 millimeters. An inflatable balloon includes an inflated outer diameter to inner waist diameter ratio of 12.5 to 1. An inflatable polymeric balloon that has a body portion with two regions that have different molecular orientations is also provided. A method of processing an elongate polymeric material includes heating a portion of the polymeric material with a laser while longitudinally stretching the portion of the polymeric material. A method of manufacturing a balloon includes heating and longitudinally stretching a first and second portion of an elongate polymeric tube to form first and second end portion. The remaining body portion is radially expanded to form the balloon.

Abstract: The present invention, in one embodiment, provides a method of forming an organic electric device that includes providing a plurality of carbon nanostructures; and dispersing the plurality of carbon nanostructures in a polymeric matrix to provide a polymeric composite, wherein when the plurality of carbon nanostructures are present at a first concentration an interface of the plurality of carbon nanostructures and the polymeric matrix is characterized by charge transport when an external energy is applied, and when the plurality of carbon nanostructures are present at a second concentration the interface of the plurality of carbon nanostructures and the polymeric matrix are characterized by exciton dissociation when an external energy is applied, wherein the first concentration is less than the second concentration.

Abstract: A system and method for inscribing marks, that will remain non-discernable after tinting, on materials in general, and on plastic ophthalmic lenses in particular. The system uses a laser, which typically performs a heating-type inscription process, such as by use of a CO2 laser. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for producing laser inscription on materials, including laser inscription apparatus for inscribing inscriptions on a surface of the materials, and apparatus for treating a zone of the surface that was affected by the laser inscription beam, to prevent it from absorbing excessive dye relative to other zones, wherein the inscriptions remain non-discernable after applying the dye.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a plugged honeycomb structure including attaching a transparent sheet to an end face of a honeycomb structure; picking up an image of the end face; with respect to cells positioned at other than outermost peripheral portion of a honeycomb structure (usual cells), subjecting the picked-up image to image processing, recognizing positions to be plugged on said sheet, and with respect to cells positioned at outermost peripheral portion (outermost peripheral cells), positions of the cells are recognized based on an average cell pitch calculated from the positions of the cells, subjecting to a perforation treatment based on the recognized positions of the sheet, submerging an end portion into a plugging slurry in which a material of the plugging portions is slurried, filling holes made at the respective sheet with the slurry to form the plugging portions.

Abstract: A process for the production of moldings via a layer-by-layer process by selectively melting regions of one or more powder layers that contain cyclic oligomers and have a median grain diameter determined by laser diffraction of between 25 and 150 ?m via input of electromagnetic energy, and permitting the layers to solidify to provide a solid mass, where selectivity is achieved by applying one or more aids amongst the group of susceptors, inhibitors, absorbers, masks, and focusing of a laser beam.

Abstract: A non-linear optical device comprising a polymer configured to be photorefractive upon irradiation by a green laser. The polymer comprises a repeating unit including a moiety selected from the group consisting of the structures (M-1), (M-2) and (M-3), as defined herein.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing polymeric intraluminal prostheses include annealing the polymeric material to selectively modify the crystallinity thereof. Annealing may be utilized to selectively modify various properties of the polymeric material of an intraluminal prosthesis, including: selectively increasing the modulus of the polymeric material; selectively increasing the hoop strength of the intraluminal prosthesis; selectively modifying the elution rate (increase or decrease) of a pharmacological agent subsequently disposed on or within the annealed polymeric material; selectively increasing/decreasing stress in the intraluminal prosthesis; and selectively modifying the polymeric material such that it erodes at a different rate.

Abstract: A method for the introduction of at least one locally limited weakening into a decorative composite, in particular for use in an automotive vehicle, by way of a plurality of laser beams, is disclosed. The decorative composite includes at least one decorative substrate, at least one decorative material and at least one upholstered layer arranged between the decorative substrate and the decorative material. The weakening is formed after the joining of the decorative composite as a sequence of first blind holes or perforations, which penetrate the decorative substrate completely, and unweakened webs between these blind holes or perforations. At least one second blind hole, which does not penetrate the decorative substrate, is introduced into at least one web.

Abstract: A security document having in order a) a first laser markable layer, present as a self-supporting layer or as a layer on a support; b) at least one polymeric overlay; and c) a second laser markable layer; wherein the second laser markable layer exhibits a higher laser sensitivity than a non-laser marked area of the first laser markable layer but produces a smaller maximum optical density or a smaller gloss on laser marking. Methods for manufacturing the security document are also disclosed.

Abstract: To produce a pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet according to which air entrapment and blistering can be prevented or eliminated through through-holes, and yet the through-holes are not readily visible at a substrate surface, a pressure-sensitive adhesive surface of a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 12 in a laminate comprising a substrate 11 and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 12 is irradiated with a CO2 laser having a pulse width of from 1 to 140 ?sec, a pulse energy at each processing point of from 0.01 to 3.0 mJ, and a beam spot diameter at each processing point of from 30 to 160 ?m, so as to form through-holes 2 having a diameter at the surface of the substrate 11 of from 0.1 to 42 ?m at a hole density of from 30 to 50,000 per 100 cm2.

Abstract: A process for producing fibre preforms for composite material components makes it possible to directly produce complex geometries in a flexible and low-cost manner by applying a plurality of dry fibre rovings independently of one another even in spatially uneven contours. It is no longer necessary to use cut fabric strips since fibre preforms are produced straight from the dry fibre rovings. This obviates the need to carry out production, transport and order picking processes. It is not necessary to cut fibre strips to size, and therefore a saving may be made on material. In addition, it is possible to increase the mechanical characteristic values in the composite material because it is not necessary to sew fibre webs. The described process can also readily be scaled since the number of dry fibre rovings arranged next to one another make it possible to vary the area which can be covered.

Abstract: A method for making a variable-density carbon nanotube film is provided. A drawn carbon nanotube film, including a number of carbon nanotubes aligned along an aligned direction, is prepared. A number of thin regions are formed in the drawn carbon nanotube film along the aligned direction by reducing density of carbon nanotubes in each of the plurality of thin regions. A variable-density carbon nanotube film is provided and includes a number of thin regions and at least one normal region having a density of carbon nanotubes greater than that of the thin regions. The at least one normal region includes a number of carbon nanotubes substantially aligned along an aligned direction. The thin regions are arranged in the form of at least one row extending along the aligned direction.

Abstract: A device for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by a layer-wise solidification of a building material in powder form at positions in the respective layers corresponding to the object is disclosed. The device comprises: a container (25) arranged in the device; a support device (26), which can be vertically moved in the container, wherein the upper side of the support device (26) forms a building platform (78), on which the three-dimensional object is generated layer-wise; an application device (27) for applying building material in powder form onto the building platform and a previously solidified layer, respectively; and an energy source (6) that provides a beam (9) for solidifying the building material in powder form. In a region below the container (25) in the device (1) outlets (90) are provided, wherein from each of the outlets (90) a directed flow of a fluid medium escapes in a directed manner to peripheral regions of the container (25).

Abstract: Laminate panel of the type comprising a substrate and a provided-thereon synthetic material layer with a printed decor, wherein said synthetic material layer at the surface comprises a zone of reduced gloss degree, wherein said zone in itself has a microstructure of uniformly distributed recesses and/or protrusions. The invention also relates to methods and press elements which are suited for manufacturing such laminate panels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming a thin film by depositing, in a vacuum, particles emitted from a film forming source (27) on a substrate (21). Specifically, the particles are deposited on the substrate (21) in a state where a movable endless belt (11) is disposed between the film forming source (27) and the substrate (21) so that a film forming area DA is defined on a surface of the substrate (21) by the endless belt (11), whose moving path has a forward path and a return path that are formed between the film forming source (27) and the substrate (21). Typically, the substrate (21) is an elongated substrate having flexibility. The particles are deposited on the substrate (21) that is being transferred from a feed roller (23) to a take-up roller (26).

Abstract: UV laser cutting throughput through silicon and like materials is improved by dividing a long cut path (112) into short segments (122), from about 10 ?m to 1 mm. The laser output (32) is scanned within a first short segment (122) for a predetermined number of passes before being moved to and scanned within a second short segment (122) for a predetermined number of passes. The bite size, segment size (126), and segment overlap (136) can be manipulated to minimize the amount and type of trench backfill. Real-time monitoring is employed to reduce rescanning portions of the cut path 112 (112) where the cut is already completed. Polarization direction of the laser output (32) is also correlated with the cutting direction to further enhance throughput. This technique can be employed to cut a variety of materials with a variety of different lasers and wavelengths. A multi-step process can optimize the laser processes for each individual layer.

Abstract: UV laser cutting throughput through silicon and like materials is improved by dividing a long cut path (112) into short segments (122), from about 10 ?m to 1 mm. The laser output (32) is scanned within a first short segment (122) for a predetermined number of passes before being moved to and scanned within a second short segment (122) for a predetermined number of passes. The bite size, segment size (126), and segment overlap (136) can be manipulated to minimize the amount and type of trench backfill. Real-time monitoring is employed to reduce rescanning portions of the cut path 112 (112) where the cut is already completed. Polarization direction of the laser output (32) is also correlated with the cutting direction to further enhance throughput. This technique can be employed to cut a variety of materials with a variety of different lasers and wavelengths. A multi-step process can optimize the laser processes for each individual layer.

Abstract: UV laser cutting throughput through silicon and like materials is improved by dividing a long cut path (112) into short segments (122), from about 10 ?m to 1 mm. The laser output (32) is scanned within a first short segment (122) for a predetermined number of passes before being moved to and scanned within a second short segment (122) for a predetermined number of passes. The bite size, segment size (126), and segment overlap (136) can be manipulated to minimize the amount and type of trench backfill. Real-time monitoring is employed to reduce rescanning portions of the cut path 112 (112) where the cut is already completed. Polarization direction of the laser output (32) is also correlated with the cutting direction to further enhance throughput. This technique can be employed to cut a variety of materials with a variety of different lasers and wavelengths. A multi-step process can optimize the laser processes for each individual layer.