RayTools

What RayTools does

RayTools AG, founded in 2005 and headquartered in Burgdorf, Switzerland, designs and manufactures laser beam delivery systems and automation for industrial cutting, welding, cleaning, cladding, and hardening applications. The product portfolio is organized into three core component layers — EtherCAT-based motion controllers (XC3000S, XC3000Plus, XC4000T, XC6000, BSE200), smart cutting heads (BS, CAT, GF, FM series) with integrated sensor monitoring and power ratings up to 40KW, and welding/processing heads (BW, BF, BH, BG, AL, BC series) up to 30KW — plus integrated subsystems including robotic cutting and welding cells built around FANUC robots and IPG fiber lasers, handheld welding machines (RayEdge, QCS), and high-precision micro cutting stations (EMP series). Proprietary technology elements include the VBA visual beam alignment system, CAT MIX gas mixing for 75% gas savings and 2X mild-steel cutting speed, hybrid fiber-diode dual-wavelength welding heads for high-reflection materials such as copper, and patented IP65 dustproof cover glass plus zero focus scale recovery. The company sells exclusively through enterprise B2B channels via direct sales from Switzerland headquarters and wholly-owned subsidiaries in 13+ countries (Germany, Poland, Croatia, Russia, USA, Turkey, KSA, UAE, China, Korea, India), supported by 30+ annual industry trade show appearances.

The business model is hardware-led with recurring service and custom-engineering upside. Revenue streams are dominated by direct sale of controllers, cutting heads, welding heads, and complete systems, with a smaller professional services line covering custom project engineering, laser process integration, and pre-series prototyping. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed, varying by configuration, power rating, and integration scope. Customers span industrial manufacturing verticals including sheet metal processing, automotive, aerospace, heavy machinery, precision components (jewelry, medical, electronics), and plastics processing, served primarily through enterprise field sales and channel partners. The company is privately held by its four co-founders (H. Schneider, Dr. Rudolf Weber, U. Hunziker, Dr. Marc Schmid) and an advisory board of University of Bern and FH Burgdorf professors, with no disclosed external funding rounds or parent company.

Name

RayTools

Legal name

RayTools AG

Website

https://raytools.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

RayTools AG, founded 2005 in Switzerland, designs and manufactures laser beam delivery systems — controllers, smart cutting heads, welding heads, and robotic subsystems — for industrial cutting, welding, cladding, and hardening, sold via wholly-owned subsidiaries in 13+ countries to sheet metal, automotive, aerospace, and precision manufacturing customers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Laser Equipment

NAICS

Cutting Tool and Machine Tool Accessory Manufacturing (333515)

SIC

Metalworkg Machinery & Equipment (3540)

akta.pro primary industry

Surface Treatment & Finishing Equipment (Coating, Plating, Deburring, Shot Blasting) (IMAHADAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

Optics & Laser/Light Engine Components (Lenses, Galvos, Laser Modules, UV Engines) (IMAAAIAC)

Keywords

• Industrial laser systems
• Laser cutting heads
• Laser welding equipment
• CNC motion controllers
• Laser beam delivery

Headquarters

HQ city

Burgdorf

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices11 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Hardware Sales - Controllers: Sale of CNC motion control systems including XC3000S, XC3000Plus, XC4000T, XC6000, and BSE200 controllers for laser cutting and welding applications. Compatible with X/Y/Z/U/U2 axis based on EtherCAT or Pulse+Direction.
2. Hardware Sales - Cutting Heads: Sale of laser cutting heads including BM series (auto focus), BS series (smart), BT series (manual focus), BD series (tube cutting), and GF series (robotic) ranging from 2000W to 40KW power ratings.
3. Hardware Sales - Welding Heads: Sale of laser welding heads including BW series (fixed beam), BF series (wobble), BG series (scan), BH series (handheld), and hybrid welding heads ranging from 3KW to 30KW.
4. Complete Systems: Sale of integrated laser solutions including robotic fiber laser cutting kits, robotic CO2 laser cutting cells, robotic laser welding kits, handheld laser welding machines, and high precision micro laser cutting stations.
5. Custom Engineering & Services: Custom project engineering, knowhow, and services including evaluation, generation and application of laser beam and control software, functional prototypes to pre-series models, and laser process integration solutions.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

RayTools designs and manufactures industrial laser beam delivery systems for cutting, welding, cladding, cleaning, and hardening applications. Its portfolio includes EtherCAT-based CNC motion controllers (XC series), smart laser cutting heads (BS/CAT/GF series up to 40KW), laser welding heads (BW/BF/BG/BH/hybrid up to 30KW), processing heads for cladding and hardening, and complete integrated subsystems such as robotic laser cutting/welding kits, handheld welding machines, and high-precision micro cutting stations. The company also provides custom engineering, know-how, and laser process integration services.

Product overview

RayTools is a Swiss company (founded 2005) specializing in laser beam delivery systems and automation for industrial applications including cutting, welding, cleaning, cladding, and hardening. The product portfolio consists of three core component categories: (1) Controllers - motion control systems (XC series for flat/tube cutting and BSE200 for welding) that manage axis control and process parameters via EtherCAT, Modbus, and other industrial protocols; (2) Cutting Heads - the BS/CAT series smart cutting heads for 2D/3D cutting, GF series for 5-axis and robotic cutting, and BM series discontinued auto-focus heads; (3) Welding/Processing Heads - BW fixed beam, BF wobble/scan, BH handheld, BG scan, and hybrid heads for various welding applications, plus AL/BC cladding heads. Beyond components, RayTools offers complete subsystems including robotic cutting cells, handheld welding systems (RayEdge series), micro precision cutting stations (EMP series), and powder feeders. The company serves metal fabrication, automotive, electronics, and medical industries through a global network across Europe, Americas, and Asia-Pacific.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• XC3000S EtherCAT Motion Control System Standard flat cutting controller compatible with X/Y/Y1/Z axis based on EtherCAT or Pulse+Direction, for industrial laser cutting machines.
• XC3000Plus EtherCAT Motion Control System High-speed flat cutting controller with second-generation motion control algorithm to improve process efficiency for industrial laser cutting.
• XC4000T EtherCAT Motion Control System Professional 2-chuck tube cutting controller for X/Y/Z/U/U2 axis based on EtherCAT or Pulse+Direction with 1ms real-time refresh, 0.005mm path accuracy, 0.001mm positioning, and 0.002mm repeated positioning.
• XC6000 EtherCAT Motion Control System High-power flat cutting controller with maximum 3G acceleration and 250m/min dry motion for demanding industrial laser cutting applications.
• XC3000T EtherCAT Motion Control System Combined flat and tube cutting controller with one-click switching between sheet and tube cutting modes, supporting EtherCAT or Pulse+Direction axis control.
• BSE200 Controller for Robot Laser Welding Centralized processing controller for total command of the laser welding process with native Modbus and EtherCAT support for robotic welding cells.
• BS Series Smart Laser Cutting Heads All-In-One smart laser cutting heads with fully integrated sensor technology, real-time status monitoring via APP or CNC, auto focus, available in 2D and 3D versions with power ratings from 4KW to 40KW.
• CAT Series Smart Laser Cutting Heads New generation All-In-One smart laser cutting heads with EtherCAT, Profinet, 0-10V or Pulse auto focus, real-time detection of focus position, cover glass, temperature, stray beam, gas pressure, dew point, cavity pressure, and TRA temperature with anti-collision protection. Power ratings from 4KW to 40KW.
• FM220 High Precision Micro Laser Cutting Head Ultra micro laser cutting head for ceramic, medical, and semiconductor industries with maximum shrinkage of beam spot size by one-half for sub-millimeter precision cutting.
• GF402 4-Axis Tube Cutting Head Bevel laser cutting head for tubes with fully built-in optics system and auto focus capability for 4-axis tube cutting applications.
• GF501 5-Axis 3D Laser Cutting Head 5-axis 3D laser cutting head with fully built-in optics system, aviation aluminium body, auto focus via moving collimation lens, built-in H axis for side cutting, and A-axis brake for crash prevention. Power rating 4KW.
• Robotic Laser Cutting Heads (GF101, BT220RC, BD04K, BD08K) Robot cutting heads with built-in or external Z axis for light-duty robot cutting applications.
• BW Series Fixed Beam Laser Welding Heads Fixed beam laser welding heads available in Fiber, Diode, and Blue versions for low to high power welding from 3KW to 30KW.
• BF Series Wobble Laser Welding Heads Wobble laser welding heads with built-in galvo system supporting various wobbling paths, with power ratings from 4/6KW up to 12/20KW.
• BF12U Programmable Wobble Laser Welding Head 12KW programmable wobble welding head with built-in galvo and drive system for high-power welding applications.
• BH Series Handheld Laser Processing Heads Handheld laser processing heads including single galvo cleaning head (2KW), double galvo welding head (2KW), and 4-in-1 processing head (3KW) for welding, cutting, weld seam cleaning, and remote cleaning.
• BG Series Scan Laser Welding Heads Scan welding heads with galvo system and F-theta lens for scan welding at power ratings of 4KW and 6KW.
• Hybrid Laser Welding Heads (BF06H, BW06H) Hybrid laser welding heads combining fiber laser and diode laser (450nm or 915nm) dual-wavelength optics for welding high-reflection materials including copper, available in wobble and fixed spot configurations.
• Robotic Fiber Laser Cutting Kit 6-Axis robotic laser cutting system for metal materials with laser power from 1KW to 6KW, integrating IPG fiber laser, Fanuc 6-axis robot, and RayTools cutting heads.
• Robotic Fiber Laser Cutting Kit Pro 6-Axis robotic laser cutting system with additional programmable A/B axis for small contour cutting at minimum 1mm diameter, with laser power from 1KW to 4KW.
• Robotic CO2 Laser Cutting Cell 6-Axis robotic CO2 laser cutting cell for non-metal materials (PP, PC, PET, PUR, PA, PE, PVC, ABS) with 125W-250W Luxinar CO2 laser source and Fanuc robot.
• Robotic Laser Welding Kit 6-Axis robotic laser welding kit with 1KW-20KW laser power using IPG fiber laser, Fanuc 6-axis robot, and RayTools welding head for industrial welding cells.
• EMP Series High Precision Micro Laser Cutting Stations High precision micro laser cutting stations with processing sizes from 500x400mm to 1250x1250mm, linear motorized X and Y axis, CNC based on EtherCAT, integrating AheadTechs bus systems, FAGOR gratings, and THK linear guides.
• RayEdge 4-in-1 Handheld Laser Welding Machines 4-in-1 handheld laser application machines for welding, cutting, weld seam cleaning, and remote cleaning, with laser power from 1KW to 3KW.
• OLE Laser Welding Machines X/Y/Z laser welding machines in cantilever type (500x300mm) and gantry type (500x500mm) configurations for industrial welding.
• QCS Air Cooling Handheld Laser Welder 4-in-1 handheld laser application welder with extreme portability, lightweight air-cooled design, and laser power from 1KW to 1.5KW.
• RayEdge Handheld Laser Cleaners Handheld laser cleaners available in air-cooled (100W-300W) and water-cooled (1.5KW-2KW) versions for surface cleaning applications.
• AL Series Broad-beam Cladding/Hardening Heads Laser processing heads for broad-beam cladding or hardening with parabolic optics, available at 6KW, 12KW, and 20KW power ratings.
• AL Series Cladding/Welding Heads Laser processing heads for cladding or welding with parabolic optics, available at 6KW, 12KW, 20KW, and 30KW power ratings.
• BC Series Laser Cladding Heads Laser cladding heads with 3-way, 4-way, or annular powder feeding and transmission optics, at 4KW, 6KW, and 12KW power ratings.
• BP06K Laser Processing Head with Coaxial Wire Feeding 6KW laser processing head with coaxial wire feeding and 3-way converged beam for spatter-free deposition.
• EMP-PF-2-1 Powder Feeder Powder feeder with dual-cylinder and PLC control for laser cladding applications at 1KW power rating.
• VBA Visual Beam Alignment Tools Universal visual beam alignment tools with visual assistance to replace traditional beam alignment methods, available in wired and WIFI versions.
• DAM + VBA Automatic Visual Beam Alignment Systems Full automation of visual beam alignment and 0 focus offset positioning system, available in EtherCAT and RS485 versions for integration with CAT cutting heads and XC6000 controllers.
• Custom Laser Engineering, Know-how, and Integration Services Custom project engineering, know-how, and services covering evaluation, generation, and application of laser beam and control software for industrial use; functional prototypes through pre-series models; and laser process integration solutions.

Quantifiable outcome

• 75% saving of gas consumption comparing to N2 gas cutting with CAT MIX technology
• +3 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Four partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• VECTOR LASERcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 October 2024Co-exhibiting partner at EuroBLECH 2024. Strategic marketing partnership for joint presence at major industry exhibitions.
• FANUCcoreTechnology or IntegrationWorld leading robot manufacturer providing 6-axis robotic systems for RayTools robotic fiber laser cutting kits and robotic laser welding kits. FANUC robots are featured as core components in RayTools automation solutions.
• IPG PhotonicscoreTechnology or IntegrationLeading fiber laser manufacturer supplying fiber lasers for RayTools robotic fiber laser cutting kits and welding systems. IPG fiber lasers are listed as world leading core components.
• LuxinarcoreTechnology or IntegrationCO2 laser source manufacturer supplying lasers for RayTools robotic CO2 laser cutting cells for non-metal materials. Luxinar lasers are featured as world leading core components.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• TRUMPF: Global market leader in industrial laser cutting/welding systems and beam sources for metal fabrication, including integrated cutting heads, fiber lasers, and full machines. Comparable to RayTools across industrial laser technology, target customers (sheet-metal, automotive), and power range, but with much broader portfolio and scale.
• LVD Group: Belgian manufacturer of sheet-metal working equipment including laser cutting machines and automation. Comparable industrial laser customer base and segment overlap with RayTools' flat-cutting and tube-cutting applications.
• Bystronic: Swiss-headquartered manufacturer of laser cutting machines, bending, and automation for sheet-metal processing. Direct peer in industrial laser cutting; RayTools' co-founders U. Hunziker and J. Stutz both built careers at Bystronic, illustrating deep product overlap.
• Amada: Japanese manufacturer of sheet-metal machinery including laser cutting machines, punches, and benders, with global installed base. Comparable customer base (sheet-metal fabricators, automotive) and overlapping laser cutting technology, though at a more integrated-systems level.
• Prima Power: Italian-headquartered manufacturer of sheet-metal machinery, including 2D/3D laser cutting machines and bending systems. Comparable in target customer (industrial fabricators) and in laser processing technology.
• Han's Laser: China-based global supplier of industrial laser equipment for cutting, welding, and marking, including laser cutting heads and complete systems. Competitor in laser cutting/welding heads and full cutting machines across automotive and general metalworking.
• Mazak Optonics: Subsidiary of Yamazaki Mazak providing laser cutting machines and automation systems for sheet-metal manufacturing. Comparable industrial laser cutting customer base, with vertically integrated systems.

Direct peers

• Precitec: German specialist in laser cutting and welding heads, sensors, and beam-delivery systems for industrial laser processing. Most direct peer in the laser cutting head / beam delivery subsystem category, competing head-to-head with RayTools' BS, CAT, and GF series.
• HIGHYAG (HWG Laser): Specialized manufacturer of laser processing heads for cutting and welding, particularly high-power fiber-coupled applications. Direct peer to RayTools' BM/BT/BD/GF cutting heads and welding heads.

Emerging players

• IPG Photonics: World-leading manufacturer of fiber lasers and increasingly laser processing systems for cutting, welding, and marking. Both a RayTools core supplier for cutting/welding kits and a competitor in higher-level laser systems.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Subsidiaries12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about RayTools