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Automotive

Driving Innovation in Automotive with Laser Processing

The automotive world is changing rapidly, and so are the demands placed on car manufacturers. Digitalization, connectivity, autonomous driving, electric drives and re-invention of the manufacturing process represent only a fraction of the challenges facing the industry. With cutting-edge laser technology, we meet the evolving demands of modern manufacturing.

Laser Precision for Automotive Excellence

Photo of a windshield with integrated sensors.

From Surface Preparation to Glass Cutting – Laser Technology that Drives Innovation

Our laser solutions are used in various steps in automotive manufacturing, ranging from cleaning of surfaces and patterning of functional coatings on windshields to precision cutting of interior glass parts.

Reinventing Automotive Manufacturing for a New Era

The automotive industry is undergoing a profound transformation. Electrification drives the need for lightweight designs, pushing the adoption of aluminum and composite materials. At the same time, the growing use of adhesive bonding demands perfectly clean and consistently activated surfaces. Regulatory pressure and sustainability goals further accelerate the shift toward smarter, greener production. Traditional processes can no longer keep pace – manufacturers must rethink their strategies and embrace advanced technologies. Laser-based solutions open new possibilities: precise, contactless, and fully digital, they enable efficient, repeatable surface preparation and integration into Industry 4.0 workflows, setting the stage for the next generation of automotive manufacturing.

Another key trend: the in-car user experience is evolving rapidly. Inspired by the smartphone world, automakers are rethinking interfaces, increasing the use of displays and glass, and demanding flawless surface quality. These changes create new challenges – and opportunities – for innovative manufacturing technologies.

Key Technical Features for Advanced Surface Processing in Automotive Manufacturing

Laser Cleaning: Efficient removal of oil, rust, and coatings for flawless bonding and coating processes
Laser Activation: Surface modification to ensure optimal adhesion for adhesives and sealants
Laser Structuring: Creation of micro-patterns for enhanced mechanical interlocking and durability
Selective E-Coat Removal: Precise ablation of CDC layers (e.g., on battery trays) without masking, reducing process steps and waste
Fully Automated & Flexible: Adaptable to diverse geometries and production lines
Industry 4.0 Ready: Digital integration, inline quality monitoring, and data generation for AI-driven process optimization

Why Glass Matters in Modern Mobility

Automotive glazing has evolved into a critical enabler of vehicle performance – supporting connectivity, user experience, lightweighting, and safety. With the rise of HUDs, ADAS sensors, and smart surfaces, manufacturers require glass processing technologies that deliver accuracy, durability, and design flexibility.

We provide industry-leading laser solutions for high-speed cutting, selective coating removal, and precision microstructuring. Our systems are scalable for both prototyping and high-volume production, enabling next-gen vehicle platforms that are lighter, smarter, and more integrated.

Key Technical Features for Automotive Glass Processing:

High-speed laser cutting for windshields, panoramic roofs, and advanced glazing
Contactless laser drilling and micromachining for ADAS and sensor integration
Selective ablation of coatings (ITO, anti-fog, hydrophobic, etc.)
Crack-free Bessel beam cutting for superior edge strength and formability
Precision edge structuring with no mechanical post-processing required
Compatible with laminated, coated, and chemically strengthened glass
Modular systems ready for lab-scale, pilot, and mass production lines
Designed for e-mobility, connectivity, and autonomous vehicle glass use cases
Laser-cut freeform glass component. The component is held by two gloved hands.
Laser cutting of automotive glass

Laser Cutting of Automotive Glass

Use Cases:

  • Contour cutting of windshields, sidelites, and backlites
  • Shaped cuts for HUD zones, mirror brackets, and sensor apertures
  • Supports monolithic, laminated, and coated glass

4JET Technology Fit: 

  • Bessel beam laser cutting for crack-free edges and high mechanical strength

4JET Solution:

  • Precision cutting with low thermal impact scalable from pilot to high-volume lines

4JET Platforms:

PEARL 400SPEARL 500X PEARL 900S PEARL 80G

Macro image of a laser-cut glass edge. The glass has a black print.
Cutting edge of tempered glass

Lightweight & Advanced Glazing

Applications:

  • Ultra-thin, curved, and strengthened glass for roofs and displays
  • Lightweight backlites and complex 3D shapes for aerodynamic and weight reduction

4JET Technology Fit:

  • Contactless cutting and edge structuring with micron-level precision

4JET Solution:

  • High-quality, stress-free edges – no mechanical grinding needed

4JET Platforms:

PEARL 400SPEARL 500X PEARL 900S PEARL 80G TOPAZ 3D

Top view of a glass substrate with a full-area grid-like structure. The grid appears brighter than the rest of the substrate.
Example of partial laser ablation of coatings

Selective Coating Ablation

Applications:

  • Patterning for defrost zones, solar control, or smart glass features
  • Removal of ITO, anti-reflective, UV-blocking or hydrophobic layers

4JET Technology Fit:

  • Fast, precise laser ablation of multilayer functional coatings without thermal damage

4JET Solution:

  • Non-contact, selective patterning with zero substrate damage

4JET Platforms:

TOPAZ 3D TOPAZ LD

Photo of a windscreen. The focus is on the sensor area exposed from the coating.
Windscreen with exposed sensor area

Micromachining for Integrated Sensors & Electronics

Applications:

  • Apertures and access zones for LIDAR, antennas, heating, or rain sensors
  • Precision drilling and feature shaping on glass substrates
  • Drilling and selective coating removal for smart glazing

4JET Technology Fit:

  • USP laser micromachining with high repeatability and no cracking

4JET Solution:

  • Non-contact laser processing with customizable system architecture – ideal for integrating ADAS, connectivity, and e-mobility functions into automotive glass without cracks or delamination

4JET Platforms:

PEARL 400S PEARL 500X 

Photo of an automotive panoramic roof, taken from inside the vehicle.
Interior view with panoramic roof

Edge Deletion & Surface Structuring

Applications:

  • Coating removal in bonding areas (PUR adhesive, laminates)
  • Surface microtexturing to enhance adhesion or optical performance

4JET Technology Fit:

  • Controlled high-speed laser edge deletion with precise zone depth and alignment control

4JET Solution:

  • Clean surface prep –no mechanical post-treatment needed

4JET Platforms:

TOPAZ LD

Microscope image of a grid-like ablation pattern. The individual overlapping spots are visible.
Microscope image of a laser-structured surface

Decorative and Ambient Lighting Panels

Applications:

  • Interior glass patterning for ambient light guidance
  • Custom branding textures or light-diffusing features

4JET Technology Fit:

  • Laser engraving and microstructuring for visual and functional effects

4JET Solution:

  • Functional and decorative textures for design-focused interiors

Thin-Film Processing

Image of a curved glass substrate with a round hole in the center.
Outer and inner contour cutting of curved glass

Non-flat and Inner Contour Cutting

Applications:

  • Shaped or preformed glass parts (bent, domed, 3D)
  • Internal cut-outs or nested geometries

4JET Technology Fit:

  • Depth-independent Bessel beam cutting with 3D processing capability

4JET Solution:

  • High-precision processing of complex geometries –non-contact, no tool wear

Glass Cutting

Key Applications & Our Capabilities in Surface Processing for Automotive Manufacturing

Laser Cleaning & Surface Preparation Coating Removal

Selective coating removal for electrical conductivity in e-mobility without masking

Laser Cleaning & Surface Preparation

Applications:

  • Pre-treatment before bonding, sealing, or coating
  • Removal of residue, release agents or oil
  • Cleaning of battery housings and trays in e-mobility 
  • Cleaning of aluminum parts, or joining areas
  • Surface activation for painting and powder coatings
  • Surface Texturing
  • Weld Cleaning

4JET Technology Fit:

  • Controlled laser ablation and microstructuring with high selectivity and surface-friendly energy input

4JET Solution:

  • Residue-free, dry cleaning and surface preparation with consistent results — no chemicals, no abrasives, no masking

4JET Platforms:

JETLASERJETLASER Integration

Cathodic dip paint removal of the internal surfaces of a cylinder

Coating Removal

Applications:

  • Selective coating removal on aluminum, steel components, and composite materials
  • Coating removal on EV battery housings, connectors, or structural parts
  • Selective stripping of coatings in automated lines
  • Stripping of CDC, primer, or adhesives for joining and bonding prep
  • Pre-weld and pre-bonding decoating

4JET Technology Fit:

  • High-speed laser ablation with selective depth control and minimal thermal input

4JET Solution:

  • Precise, contactless removal of coatings without chemicals or tool wear — ideal for sensitive or high-value components

4JET Platforms:

JETLASERJETLASER Integration

Ready to Redefine Your Manufacturing?

Let’s discuss how our laser solutions can elevate your next vehicle platform.


Contact us

Enabling Capabilities Across All Automotive Applications

Close-up of a car headlight.

While our solutions for the automotive industry are engineered around precision, repeatability, and industrial scalability, they are enhanced by cross-cutting capabilities that add long-term value, operational reliability, and digital readiness across all applications.

 

Core4 Software Platform Global Services & Support Automation Integration

Core4 Software Platform

The brain behind every 4JET system: Core4 is our modular, in-house software platform controlling laser, scanner, vision, and automation tasks.

  • Intuitive UI/UX for operator efficiency in automotive production lines
  • AI-powered vision algorithms for positioning, edge detection, and defect classification
  • Fast deployment through tested modules and PLC sequencing
  • Supported by a 20+ developer team for rapid customization and lifecycle support

Global Services & Support

We know uptime and service responsiveness are critical in automotive manufacturing.

  • Remote diagnostics and software-based troubleshooting
  • On-site training, process tuning, and preventative maintenance
  • Global field service team with fast-response capabilities across key markets

Automation Integration

Robust system integration tailored for automotive production floors.

  • Handling solutions with robots, linear axes, and tray automation
  • Custom MES interfacing, digital I/O, safety integration
  • Designed for 24/7 operation in high-throughput automotive environments

Ready to Redefine Your Manufacturing?

Let’s discuss how our laser platforms can elevate your next vehicle platform.


Contact us