Fiber laser maker IPG Photonics Corp. announced Tuesday it has acquired privately-held Germany-based Cosytronic KG (Cosy), a manufacturer of laser welding tools. The acquisition allows IPG to make a welding tool that integrates its fiber laser, the company said. Financial terms were not disclosed. "With the acquisition of Cosytronic, we plan to enhance IPG's product portfolio of laser welding tools with fiber lasers — a promising complementary market for us," said Dr. Valentin Gapontsev, IPG Photonics chairman and CEO. The latest commerical product for Cosy, which is based in Wissen, is a fiber-based laser seam stepper for laser welding applications. Laser welding is used in car body plants and in the production of sheet metal components. The advantages it offers over traditional spot welding include: Higher processing speed and shorter production cycle times, Increased component strength with longer seams that create higher torsion stiffness, Total cost of ownership comparable to today's modern resistance welding systems, Flexible welding head and greater ability to handle the processing materials, and Continued focus on laser safety requirements without the need for an enclosed cell. The acquisition is expected to have no material effect on IPG’s financial results in 2010, the company said. For more information, visit: www.ipgphotonics.com or www.cosytronic.com