Smith has over 13 years of leadership experience in supply chain and operations management. She founded Ethnos Impact Consulting, a firm specializing in operational improvements, and has held key roles—including director, manager, and vice president—at industry-leading companies such as Charles Industries, nVenia, Parker Hannifin, and Caterpillar Inc. Kim will report directly to Rakesh Kumar, the President of HSG’s North American subsidiary.

According to Kumar, “We are excited to have Kim on board. Her strong leadership skills in managing supply chain and manufacturing teams globally, driving operational efficiency and her ability to support sustained growth will help HSG in its globalization efforts.” Kumar added, “Kim will lead HSG Laser’s North American local manufacturing and supply chain operations that span global supplier development, regional assembly and fulfillment, and parts logistics. Her mission and goal for HSG Laser… to deliver and combine higher quality with shorter lead times for our customers across the United States and Canada.”

About HSG LASER

HSG LASER is internationally recognized for its advanced laser metal-shaping and bending solutions, supporting industries such as automotive, aerospace, energy, and heavy equipment. With a strong emphasis on precision, reliability, and innovation, the company delivers world-class machinery designed to enhance manufacturing productivity and performance. Founded in 2006, HSG has swiftly risen to prominence. With an installed base of over 25,000 machines worldwide and a workforce exceeding 1800, HSG has rapidly become a trusted partner across numerous industries.

The new UV laser line features the innovative Linear UV Laser System and certified Class 1 workstations, strategically complementing Laserax’s portfolio. Following its acquisition of DPSS Lasers Inc., Laserax now delivers complete inline systems that combine UV technology with full automation for seamless, integrated workflows.

This expansion unlocks new opportunities in medical device manufacturing, aerospace, semiconductors, electronics, and automotive sectors. With ultra-high precision, nano-to-femtosecond pulse durations, and minimal heat-affected zones, Laserax’s UV lasers offer unmatched versatility for micro-processing delicate, heat-sensitive materials including plastics, glass, ceramics, metals, PCBs, and coated surfaces.

The Linear UV Laser System delivers exceptional speed, on-the-fly marking, and flexibility for demanding applications such as medical device micromachining, plastic marking, semiconductor cleaning, and glass cutting. Laserax’s turnkey UV solutions also maintain Class 1 safety certification, ensuring operator protection and regulatory compliance.

“Our goal with this expansion is to help DPSS Lasers deliver complete turnkey solutions while bringing advanced UV technology to our established markets. This increased capacity to meet our clients’ evolving needs strengthens our position as a global, industry-leading prime contractor,” said Éric Bourbeau, VP of Commercialization at Laserax.

About Laserax

Laserax is a global leader in industrial laser solutions, providing advanced laser welding, cleaning, marking, and texturing solutions. With a strong focus on innovation, Laserax supports manufacturers in industries such as automotive, battery, energy storage, and electronics by delivering high-performance laser solutions designed for efficiency and reliability.

A precision optics cleaning kit that includes reagent-grade acetone and isopropyl alcohol as cleaning agents and everything needed to clean CO₂ laser lenses is available from Laser Research Optics of Providence, RI.

The Laser Research Advanced Optical Cleaning Kit includes everything required to remove splatter and blowback from CO₂ laser lenses on steel cutting lasers to improve their transmission performance and extend service life. Consistent cleaning helps to prevent damage to the lens coatings.

Supplied with step-by-step instructions, the Laser Research Advanced Optical Cleaning Kit includes 24 cotton balls, 24 surgical-grade finger cots, 24 lens mats, distilled water, polishing compound, reagent-grade isopropyl alcohol and acetone, and an air bulb for dust removal.

The Laser Research Advanced Optical Cleaning Kit sells for $59.95 and is available at www.laserresearch.net or by phoning Laser Research Optics at 888-239-5545.

As proud sponsors of Frog Force 503, BLM GROUP USA hosted 25 student participants and team coaches at its Solution Center in their North American headquarters. The students

observed and participated in live demonstrations of the new LTX tube laser, the ProBend 205-60 press brake, the LS7 sheet laser and its proprietary ArTube software.

“As a team sponsor, watching the Frog Force 503 team pour passion into the maintenance and development of their robot in the 2025 season was an incredible experience,” says Kenny Criger, applications manager at BLM GROUP USA. “The budding engineers from Novi High School show a lot of creativity, and we hope this visit opens their eyes to new possibilities for robot development in the 2026 season. Given our proximity, the BLM GROUP USA team is excited for the opportunity to actively contribute to the students in our community.”

“This tour was amazing,” says Konark Sahoo, Electrical Group Lead of Frog Force 503. “I think a lot of this technology is stuff that other robotics teams would really desire every season. I’m really excited and I’m really thankful we got to visit.”

The visit marks an important step of what both groups hope will become a long-lasting partnership centered around education, engineering and real-world problem-solving skills.

About BLM GROUP

BLM GROUP is a global leader in tube and sheet metal machine solutions. Its product portfolio includes tube lasers, 5-axis lasers, sheet lasers, press brakes, tube benders, wire benders, end-formers and cold saws. The company has more than 60 years of experience and thousands of applications globally and serves customers in the United States and Canada from its North American headquarters, located in Novi, Michigan.

About Frog Force 503

Founded in 2001, Frog Force 503 is a FIRST Robotics competition team based at Novi High School in Michigan. With the mission to motivate and educate students to obtain real-world team building, engineering, finance, marketing and other useful skills, the team is “A Leap Ahead” with practical and applied robotics development.

The new GH Series delivers high-power laser cutting up to 60kW, cutting carbon steel up to 3.54 inches (100mm), stainless steel up 4.72 inches (120mm) and aluminum up to 3.54 inches (90mm) with superior edge quality. It runs on HSG’s new Alpha T Pro Bus System; a smart robust control platform that’s easy to use and equipped with advanced AT+ Visual Edge Detection technology and AR+ Visual Residual Functionality.

High-tech company TRUMPF is introducing a new “Cutting Assistant” application, which employs artificial intelligence to help users improve the quality of laser-cut edges. Production employees just take a picture of their component’s cut edge with a hand scanner. Then, the solution assesses the edge quality, evaluating it using objective criteria such as burr formation. With this information, the Cutting Assistant’s optimization algorithm suggests improved parameters for the cutting process. Then the machine cuts the sheet metal once more. If the part quality still does not meet expectations, the user has the option to repeat the process. This solution is available for all TruLaser series laser cutting machines purchased as of May 2025, which feature a power output of 6 kW or higher.

“With the Cutting Assistant, TRUMPF is once again demonstrating how we are pioneering the use of AI in industrial manufacturing,” says Grant Fergusson, TRUMPF Inc. TruLaser 2D laser cutting product manager. “The Cutting Assistant is a great example of how AI-enabled tools can help overcome problems related to the skilled worker shortage and also saves time and money. When it comes to productivity, this application creates a competitive edge for fabricators.”

AI evaluates edge quality and makes optimization suggestions

When laser cutting, fabricators can find it challenging to determine the correct parameters to use for their material grades. Materials that are not optimized for laser cutting often produce edges with wide variations in cut quality, forcing production employees to constantly change the technology parameters. This involves adjusting each individual parameter one by one— a process which demands a lot of time and employee experience. This presents a challenge for many companies, especially those with inexperienced workers in production positions. By integrating the Cutting Assistant into the machine software, optimized parameters can be transferred seamlessly into the software without the need for programming. This saves time and reduces errors.

Further improvements planned for Cutting Assistant

While developing the Cutting Assistant, TRUMPF experts cut thousands of parts and drew upon many years of expertise, using their extensive knowledge to train the software’s algorithm. For TRUMPF, this work on the Cutting Assistant continues. In the future, data from applications in the field will also be incorporated into the solution. This will enable faster and more reliable results, because the self-learning system will continuously improve. Through all of this, TRUMPF ensures that the algorithm does not distribute the user’s expertise.

“Manufacturers and users alike benefit from this novel development approach. Of course, data security remains a top priority for TRUMPF,” says Fergusson.

TRUMPF regularly provides users with online updates that they can download to their machines for maximum productivity and quality.

Rakesh Kumar’s background includes serving as Senior Vice President and General Manager at Cincinnati Incorporated and as General Manager Sales at Amada America. His extensive experience in the fabrication market and proven track record of operational success in leading teams in manufacturing, sales, parts & service; as well as with products, make him an ideal leader to spearhead HSG Laser’s North American business. “I am honored to join HSG Laser at such a pivotal moment in the industry,” said Kumar. “I look forward to building a dynamic team, further enhancing our commitment to superior customer service and innovative solutions.”

Under Kumar’s leadership, the company is poised to capitalize on new opportunities by strengthening its local presence, expanding its product portfolio, and ensuring that its cutting-edge technology continues to meet the ever-changing needs of its customers.

As North America market’s key player in laser cutting solutions, the company remains committed to providing clients with reliable products and services. The appointment of Rakesh Kumar reinforces this commitment. “Rakesh’s deep knowledge of the U.S. fabrication industry and his experience with major industry players will be a tremendous asset to HSG Laser,” said Alpha Chang, founder of HSG. “We are confident that his leadership will not only accelerate our growth in North America but also further solidify our reputation as a trusted partner in the market.”

Rakesh Kumar’s appointment as North America President marks a significant milestone for HSG Laser. His deep industry experience, combined with a forward-thinking approach, promises to drive the company to new heights in service quality and market expansion. As HSG Laser continues to innovate and lead the way in high-power lasers 2D/3D, bending, automation, welding, and software solutions, all eyes will be on the transformative journey ahead under Kumar’s capable leadership.

About HSG Laser

Founded in 2006, HSG has swiftly risen to prominence as a global leader in metal shaping equipment and automation solutions. With an installed base of over 25,000 machines worldwide and a workforce exceeding 1800, the company has rapidly become a trusted partner across numerous industries.

and its advanced CNC system, with automatic parameter database and gas control, are optimally matched. Our cnc plasma table design and structure allow for its operation under heavy conditions (2 or 3 shift operation). Plasma cutting machines, which are equipped with precision fine beam plasma generators, combine the highest cutting quality with low consumables cost. The fine-beam generators PP (Precision Plasma) ensure very fast piercing and high cutting speeds, with an unusually clean and almost perfectly square cutting edge.

One carriage accommodates two cutters, the plasma cutting head and the oxy-fuel torch. The magnetic holder for the cutter heads allows quick change over and prevents damage in case of collision. The 5-axis head helps with weld preparation, with an optional bevel cutting unit for quick and accurate welding bevels. The control system enables installation of up to 4 carriages with independent height control. An ergonomic control panel controls the machine itself as well as the power source, ventilation, suction, and filtration systems. The supporting and bearing structures are made with light-alloy materials; the high-precision guide-ways, gears and racks are manufactured in a single factory. With all this, we ensure cutting accuracy, structural rigidity, and operational stability over the machine’s long service life.

About KAAST

KAAST Machine Tools, Inc. is proud to offer one of the most diverse and extensive line-ups of machine tools in the industry. From mills and lathes to grinders and saws, and from brakes and rolls to presses and ironworkers, KAAST makes it easy to find the right machine for your application. We stand behind our machines with quick shipping of spare parts and excellent after-sales service. Need in-person training or installation? No problem! KAAST Machine Tools, Your Production Partner.

Compact Layout and Ultimate Configurability