4D Photonics GmbH
About us
4D Photonics is a leading supplier of automated process monitoring solutions in any laser application and beyond. We combine long-term industrial laser experience with customer-oriented innovative solutions. We develop and manufacture fully integrated systems for monitoring and traceability. We supply customers ranging from small sizes to worldwide operating companies and OEMs. 4D's worldwide network of experienced sales and on-site field engineers ensures quick response in any part of this beautiful world.
No matter which laser application shall be monitored – the 4D sensor systems are designed to be tailored to meet customer requirements in any automated production line.
We, at 4D Photonics, always strive to find the best solution together with our customers. We believe that easy and reliable solutions are crucial to improve the world of production.
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Address
Burgwedeler Str. 27a
30916 Isernhagen
Germany
E-mail: sales@4d-photonics.com
Phone: +49 1520 7652890
Internet: 4d-photonics.com/en/
Contact person:
Dr. Markus Kogel-Hollacher
Director Innovation & Strategy
E-mail: markus.kogel-hollacher@4d-photonics.com
Phone: +49 1520 7652890
Products & Services
Laser Process Monitoring
4D Photonics develops sensor technology and software solutions for industrial laser process monitoring and successfully implements them in production environments worldwide. The company's solutions help users capture process information, monitor production processes, detect deviations, and gain a deeper understanding of laser-based manufacturing applications. The core technology platform consists of the 4D.TWO® sensor system, the 4D.watcher process monitoring software, and the 4D.commander analysis software.
Product Portfolio
4D.TWO®
Multispectral Sensor Platform
The 4D.TWO® acquires multispectral optical process emissions from laser processes in the visible (VIS) and near-infrared (NIR) spectral ranges. Depending on the configuration, additional environmental and motion data can be recorded to provide a comprehensive view of the process.
Key features:
Multispectral VIS and NIR signal acquisition
Integrated high-speed acquisition
Lossless technology for short process events
Environmental data acquisition
Motion tracking
Fiber and DirectMount integration concepts
OEM integration options
4D.watcher
Process Monitoring Software
4D.watcher converts process signals into monitoring results. The software evaluates incoming sensor data, compares it against references and monitoring criteria, and provides automated OK/NOK decisions for industrial production environments.
Key features:
Acquisition and visualization of process signals
Reference-based process monitoring
Configurable evaluation strategies
Automated OK/NOK decisions
Process history and traceability
PLC and OPC UA integration
Scalable system architectures from All-in-One to Multi-Core systems
4D.commander
Data Analysis and Process Understanding
4D.commander supports process analysis, comparison of monitoring results, and continuous optimization of monitoring strategies. The software helps users transform monitoring data into actionable process knowledge.
Key features:
Process data analysis
Multi-system evaluation
Data comparison and visualization
Identification of trends and process deviations
Optimization of monitoring configurations
Support for process development and root-cause analysis
Applications
The 4D.watcher ecosystem is suitable for a wide range of laser-based manufacturing processes, including:
Laser Welding
Laser Cutting
Laser Structuring
USP Processing
Additive Manufacturing
Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF)
Laser Cladding
Laser Cleaning
Heat Treatment
Coating
Laser Bonding
Brazing
Drilling
Services
Application Support
Application consulting
Feasibility studies
Sensor integration support
OEM project support
Process analysis assistance
Monitoring strategy development
Software and System Integration
PLC integration
OPC UA integration
Customer-specific interfaces
Custom monitoring concepts
OEM software integration
4D.watcher Ecosystem
The three products form a connected workflow:
Laser Process
↓
4D.TWO®
Capture Process Data
↓
4D.watcher
Monitor and Evaluate
↓
4D.commander
Analyze and Understand
This integrated approach enables users to move from process data acquisition to automated monitoring and finally to detailed process understanding and optimization.
Company Focus
Capture. Monitor. Understand.
4D Photonics provides sensor technology, process monitoring, and data analysis solutions that help industrial users gain deeper insight into laser processes and make monitoring decisions based on reliable process information.
4D.TWO
4D.TWO® is a multispectral sensor platform for industrial laser process monitoring. The sensor simultaneously captures process emissions in the visible (VIS) and near-infrared (NIR) spectral ranges and combines them with environmental and motion data to provide a comprehensive view of the manufacturing process. Together with Lossless Technology, flexible integration options, and seamless connectivity to 4D Photonics software solutions, 4D.TWO enables reliable monitoring and deeper process understanding across a wide range of laser applications.
4D.watcher
4D.watcher® is a process monitoring solution for industrial laser applications. It transforms process signals into meaningful monitoring results by automatically evaluating incoming sensor data, comparing it with references, and generating reliable OK/NOK decisions. Designed for plug-and-play deployment and easy operation, 4D.watcher helps users monitor processes, detect deviations, and maintain consistent production quality. It seamlessly integrates with 4D.TWO® sensors and supports communication with PLCs, OPC UA, and higher-level IT systems.
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4D.commander
4D.commander is a software platform for process data analysis and process understanding. It enables users to evaluate monitoring results, compare process data across systems and time periods, and gain deeper insight into laser-based manufacturing processes. By transforming monitoring data into actionable process knowledge, 4D.commander supports process optimization, root-cause analysis, and the continuous improvement of process monitoring strategies.
