Image de la machine Quartz Géode Image de la machine Quartz Géode
1970s - 2020s

Celebrate 50 years old
innovation

1970s

The beginnings of the Laser

Cheval Frères, a manufacturer of watch components, needed to drill rubies. Penalised by the lack of an industrial laser on the French market, the company carried out in-depth research, which led to the importation of a source from the United States and the development of the very first ruby piercing laser. This revolutionary, computer-controlled technology, powered by a YAG laser source, marked a significant advance in the industry, reinforcing Cheval Frères' position as a pioneer of innovation in its field.

1970
1980s

Diversification and development 

The Cheval Frères laser department is firmly committed to developing its activities, designing specialised lasers for drilling, welding, cutting and marking applications.
In response to a specific request from a customer to cut ceramic substrates for the electronics industry, the company set up a laser subcontracting workshop in Asia. Her first steps in exporting.

1981

Start of sales

The company began marketing machines to well-known customers such as SAGEM, ALCATEL, THOMSON and the CEA (Commissariats à l'énergie Atomique).
At the same time, multi-fibre optic systems were integrated into pulsed lasers, enabling time-sharing welding on machines manufacturing chains (jewellery sector). This expertise led to the delivery of highly specialised welding machines to Japan and then France, reinforcing the company's international presence and reputation.

1982

French leader

Cheval Frères became the leading manufacturer of industrial lasers in France. The company quickly established its reputation in the field. It designs machines tailored to specific needs, but also has a standard range of machines. Laser technology is used in factories in markets as diverse as luxury goods, medical technology, mechanical engineering and electronics.

1984
1990s

Technological leadership

When it comes to laser source power, Laser Cheval dares to make choices, particularly for welding applications: integrating high-power, pulsed or continuous sources.
The challenge of designing specific machines has been met. Complex glovebox machines leave the workshop to be integrated into the sites of customers in cutting-edge sectors.

1995

Vision software

The customer needed a guarantee that the laser beam would be focused on the right spot on the part, especially for mass production. Unfortunately, there was no software to help with automatic positioning.
So we decided to develop in-house software dedicated to vision recognition. This is an additional asset that will enable us to guarantee precision and reliability to our customers.

1998

Creation of an after-sales service department

Creation of an after-sales service department to ensure the repair and maintenance of machines in France and abroad.

1998
2000s

Expansion & Innovation

Cheval Frères turned its laser department into a separate entity.
Laser Cheval was created and moved into its own premises in Pirey, near Besançon.

Another highlight of 2000 was the launch of the LEM, the first laser marking station with an innovative look and design. It is available in a range of power levels to suit different applications. It became the first compact laser in France that could be installed on a production site, on a workshop workbench or even in a shop. An average of 40 LEM machines will be sold each year in France and abroad, for the electronics, precision engineering, medical, screw-cutting, jewellery, watchmaking and aerospace markets.


2000

LENS control software

We have developed our own Windows-based control software, LENS, which revolutionises the programming of the marking process. In just two days, customers are trained in this new control software, and can use their machine and produce their work.

2000

Deux contrats majeurs

Laser Cheval décroche deux contrats majeurs, marquant une étape importante dans son parcours commercial.  

Tout d'abord, un partenariat avec ALCATEL a été signé pour fournir des sources laser multifibres destinées à la soudure d'éléments pour les répéteurs et les systèmes de couplage dans les fibres optiques enterrées. 

Ensuite, un accord a été conclu avec le gouvernement indien de Bangalore pour équiper un centre de formation avec cinq machines de marquage, soudure et découpe. Pour accompagner cette initiative, Laser Cheval a accueilli plus de dix ingénieurs indiens pendant près de trois mois pour les former à l'utilisation des lasers, aux logiciels de pilotage et à la programmation. 

Ces réalisations démontrent l'engagement de Laser Cheval dans l'innovation et la collaboration internationale.

2001

LEM v2

Laser Cheval continues to innovate with the launch of version 2 of the LEM machine.
The new version features a significant range of options to meet the specific needs of customers and market requirements.

2002

Patent application 

We apply for a patent for the design and manufacture of the GRAND CHAMP machine, designed to mark large plastic parts (1000x1000 mm).

In the automotive sector, we introduced laser decoration for interior components such as dashboards and door trim, using polyline or screen patterns, marking a first in the field.

We also produced the first 3D laser decoration, offering unique creative possibilities.

2006

Integrating options for greater productivity  

We designed the first machines equipped with plates for marking parts in masked time, for the needs of prestigious customers in the watchmaking sector (manufacturers and subcontractors).

Among these innovations, the LEM F100 stands out, representing a step towards more versatile machines that are better adapted to the specific needs of our customers.

At the same time, we also offer machines designed to be integrated into robotised cells, reinforcing our commitment to automation and efficiency in industrial production.

2009
2010s

Technological advances

Laser Cheval is now officially recognised by customs and Cetehor (the technical department of the Francéclat committee) to supply laser machines dedicated to marking the master stamp, thereby helping to combat counterfeiting.

Creation of a range of machines including the LEM, SAPHIR and IOLITE models, designed to be accessible, upgradeable, durable and long-lasting.

We standardise our machines and integrate options according to customer requirements. (rotation unit, camera sight, camera through galvanometers, automatic vision, etc.).

2014

Femtosecond technology

After several years of in-depth research and testing of femtosecond sources in our laboratories, Laser Cheval has made a remarkable comeback by being one of the first on the market to incorporate this cutting-edge technology.

2017

Welcome to Marnay! 

Laser Cheval is moving to its new premises in Marnay.

2018

Quartz range 

The QUARTZ range represents the fruit of our efforts to capitalise on our experience and offer our customers the latest innovations. These machines incorporate all our 2D and 3D functionalities while occupying a small footprint. What's more, we offer full integration of all options according to the specific needs of each customer, such as automatic vision, lighting and XY table.

With the QUARTZ LEW model dedicated to welding applications, Laser Cheval is constantly listening to the market, responding closely to customers' needs and adapting to their requirements.

2019
2020s

Evolution of the machine range 

Machines offering increased reliability, reduced maintenance and a full warranty. Its benefits include high production capacity, autonomous 7/7 operation, reduced labour costs, a minimal environmental footprint, ease of use and a design that is entirely in-house.

2021

Integration into the LASEA group

In September 2022, the Belgian group Lasea acquired Laser Cheval.

2022

Design of the Quartz Géode

Tailor-made machine offering increased reliability, reduced maintenance and a full warranty. Benefits include high production capacity, 24/7 autonomous operation, reduced labour costs, minimal environmental footprint and ease of use.

2024
Image de la machine Quartz Géode