GF Machining CHARMILLES LASER S 500
Key Specifications
X / Y / Z Travel
Table Size
Axis Configuration
Max Workpiece Weight
Nanosecond Laser
Femtosecond Laser
Overview
The GF Machining Solutions CHARMILLES LASER S 500 is a compact 3-axis laser texturing and micromachining system designed for surface texturing, micro-structuring, and engraving on smaller workpieces. With X/Y/Z travels of 550 x 400 x 500 mm and a 60 kg workpiece capacity, the LASER S 500 targets mold shops and precision component manufacturers working with small-to-medium inserts and components.
The LASER S 500 operates in 3-axis mode with the workpiece fixed on a 590 x 470 mm table. This configuration is well-suited to flat and moderately contoured surfaces where full 5-axis articulation is not required. The simpler axis configuration reduces cost and complexity compared to the 5-axis LASER S 500 U variant.
Laser source options include nanosecond Flexipulse at 50W or 100W IR for production texturing, and femtosecond Femto Flexipulse at 20W or 40W IR for cold-ablation processing. Single or dual-source configurations are available.
The Beckhoff C6640 Industrial PC control runs on Windows 10 IoT Enterprise with a 21.5-inch multi-touch display and SPOT software interface. This modern control platform provides intuitive texture programming, 3D surface mapping, and process parameter management.
At 4,000 kg machine weight and 2,174 x 1,387 x 2,556 mm dimensions, the LASER S 500 fits into standard shop floor installations. Electrical supply is 15 kVA with 6-8 bar air at 300 L/min maximum.
The LASER S 500 is the entry-level LASER S platform for shops transitioning from chemical etching to digital laser texturing, or for production environments where the workpiece size does not require the larger S 1000 or S 1200 platforms.
Full Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| X / Y / Z Travel | 550 x 400 x 500 mm (21.7 x 15.7 x 19.7 in) |
| Table Size | 590 x 470 mm (23.2 x 18.5 in) |
| Axis Configuration | 3-axis (X/Y/Z) |
| Max Workpiece Weight | 60 kg (132 lb) |
| Nanosecond Laser | 50W / 100W Flexipulse IR |
| Femtosecond Laser | 20W / 40W Femto Flexipulse IR / IR-GR |
| Source Configuration | Single or dual source |
| Control | Beckhoff C6640 Industrial PC |
| Software | SPOT |
| Display | 21.5 in multi-touch LED |
| Electrical Supply | 15 kVA |
| Air Supply | 6-8 bar, max. 300 L/min |
| Machine Dimensions | 2,174 x 1,387 x 2,556 mm (85.6 x 54.6 x 100.6 in) |
| Installation Space | 3,600 x 2,500 mm (141.7 x 98.4 in) |
| Machine Weight | 4,000 kg (8,818 lb) |
| Machine Dimensions | 2174 x 1387 x 2556 mm85.59 x 54.60 x 100.63 in |
| Approx Machine Weight | 4000 kg8818 lbs |
| Machine Footprint | 3600 x 2500 mm141.73 x 98.42 in |
| Nominal Power | 15 kVA |
| Air Pressure | 6 to 8 bar0.6 to 0.8 MPa |
| Required Output Flow | Max. 300 l/min |
| Type | Beckhoff Industrial PC (C6640) |
| Operating System | Microsoft Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2019 LTSC |
| Screen | Multi-Touch LED 21.5’’ display |
| User Interface | SPOT |
| Table Dimensions | 590 x 470 mm23.23 x 18.50 in |
| Table T Slots | Check layout |
| Dist Table Found Plate | LASER S 500: 818 mm (32.20 in)LASER S 500 U: 764 mm (30.08 in) |
| Num Axes | 3 (LASER S 500)5 (LASER S 500 U) |
| X Axis Travel | 550 mm21.65 in |
| Y Axis Travel | 400 mm15.75 in |
| Z Axis Travel | 500 mm19.68 in |
| B Axis Travel | -110/+110 (LASER S 500 U) |
| C Axis Travel | 0/+720 (LASER S 500 U) |
| Max Workpiece Laser S 500 | 60 kg132 lbs |
| Max Workpiece Laser S 500 U | 15 kg33 lbs |
| Max Workpiece Dim | Depends on the lens type – contact your GF Machining Solutions sales specialist |
| Max Permissible Inertia | 0.17 kg.m² |
| M85 Ir Lens | F163 |
| M85 Ir Gr Lens | FSTC70/FSTC130 |
| Number Of Laser Sources | 1 or 2 (1 Femto IR only + 1 Nano IR) |
| Laser Gf Femto Flexipulse | 20 W IR/40 W IR/40 W IR-GR |
| Laser Nano Flexipulse | 50 W IR/100 W IR |
Specifications sourced from gfms.com — verified 2026-03-28
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- Compact footprint makes laser texturing accessible for smaller mold shops
- Both nanosecond and femtosecond laser source options available on the same platform
- Modern Beckhoff IPC control with SPOT software provides intuitive texture programming
- 3-axis configuration reduces cost and complexity versus 5-axis models
- Dual-source option enables both production texturing and cold ablation on one machine
- 4,000 kg weight and standard footprint require no special foundation
Limitations
- 3-axis only — cannot access undercuts or complex 3D surfaces that require 5-axis articulation
- 60 kg workpiece limit restricts the machine to small-to-medium mold inserts
- 550 mm X-travel may be insufficient for larger mold plates and components
- Still a significant capital investment for shops evaluating laser texturing for the first time
Best For
Frequently Asked Questions
01
The LASER S 500 is 3-axis (X/Y/Z only), while the LASER S 500 U adds B-axis (table rotation, 720 degrees) and C-axis for full 5-axis capability. The 500 U handles complex 3D surfaces but costs more. The 500 is better for flat and mildly contoured work.
02
Yes. The Flexipulse laser can perform surface texturing (grain patterns, logos, functional textures) and micromachining (micro-holes, micro-channels, micro-structures) depending on the programmed parameters and focal length.
03
SPOT is GF Machining Solutions' proprietary laser texturing software that runs on the Beckhoff IPC. It manages texture design from CAD data, process parameters, surface mapping, and machine operation through a multi-touch display interface.
04
The 4,000 kg weight typically does not require a reinforced foundation. Installation space of 3,600 x 2,500 mm is needed. Standard electrical (15 kVA) and compressed air (6-8 bar) connections are required.
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