Rofin-Sinar Technologies Inc., a manufacturer of industrial laser products, announced that it has formed Rofin-Sinar UK Ltd. to develop and manufacture low-power CO2 lasers. The spinoff, which will be based in Kingston upon Hull, UK, will make lasers in the 25- to 600-W range for materials processing applications such as cutting and marking. As part of the venture, Rofin-Sinar Technologies acquired Palomar Technologies Inc., the UK subsidiary of Palomar Medical Technologies Inc. Rofin-Sinar did not disclose the terms of the acquisition except to say that Palomar employees will be transferred to the Rofin-Sinar UK plant. Palomar Medical Technologies is a supplier of proprietary laser systems for dermatological and cosmetic laser treatments. Employing Rofin-Sinar's expertise in sealed gas lasers and its proprietary diffusion-cooled slab laser technology, the new low-power lasers are expected to make inroads into the rapid prototyping market as well as more traditional areas. Derek Heins, controller of Rofin-Sinar Technologies in Plymouth, Mich., confirmed that his company had not participated in the lower-end power ranges for welding applications before the new venture. "This [spinoff] fills in the product line. It keeps the focus on our key business," he said.