GF Machining Solutions CNC Laser Cutting

GF Machining CHARMILLES LASER P 1200 U

$800,000 – $1,200,000 Updated 2026-03-19

Key Specifications

X / Y / Z Travel

1200 x 900 x 1200 mm (47.2 x 35.4 x 47.2 in)

Max 5-Axis Machining Volume

Ø 865 x 790 mm (Ø 34.1 x 31.1 in)

Max Workpiece Volume

920 x 790 mm (36.2 x 31.1 in)

Max Workpiece Weight (5-Axis)

1,200 kg (2,646 lbs)

B-Axis Table Diameter

800 mm (31.5 in)

Laser Tilting Axis A

180° at 210°/s

Overview

The GF Machining Solutions CHARMILLES LASER P 1200 U is a large-format 5-axis laser texturing system designed for mold and die applications requiring intricate surface textures on complex 3D geometries. Built on GF's proven laser texturing platform, the LASER P 1200 U delivers exceptional precision across a generous 1200 x 900 x 1200 mm work envelope, making it one of the largest laser texturing machines in the CHARMILLES lineup.

At the heart of the system sits a 50 W ytterbium pulsed fiber laser capable of producing highly detailed surface textures that replace traditional chemical etching processes. The 5-axis configuration — with a laser tilting A-axis and a rotary B-axis mounted on an 800 mm diameter table — enables the laser beam to maintain optimal incidence angles on freeform surfaces, ensuring consistent texture depth and quality across complex mold cavities and curved automotive panels.

The LASER P 1200 U accommodates workpieces up to 1,200 kg in 5-axis mode, with a maximum 5-axis machining volume of diameter 865 x 790 mm. This capacity positions the machine squarely in the automotive and consumer electronics mold texturing segment, where large injection mold halves demand both precision and generous work envelopes. Multiple focal length options (100, 160, and 254 mm) allow operators to optimize spot size and working distance for different texture types and surface geometries.

With a maximum power consumption of just 4 kW, the LASER P 1200 U is remarkably energy-efficient compared to the chemical etching processes it replaces. The elimination of hazardous chemicals, masking steps, and multi-day lead times makes laser texturing an increasingly compelling proposition for moldmakers seeking both environmental compliance and faster turnaround on texture modifications.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
X / Y / Z Travel	1200 x 900 x 1200 mm (47.2 x 35.4 x 47.2 in)
Max 5-Axis Machining Volume	Ø 865 x 790 mm (Ø 34.1 x 31.1 in)
Max Workpiece Volume	920 x 790 mm (36.2 x 31.1 in)
Max Workpiece Weight (5-Axis)	1,200 kg (2,646 lbs)
B-Axis Table Diameter	800 mm (31.5 in)
Laser Tilting Axis A	180° at 210°/s
B-Axis Max Speed	90°/s
Laser Source	Ytterbium pulsed fiber laser, 50 W
Focal Length Options	100 / 160 / 254 mm (3.9 / 6.3 / 10 in)
Max Power Consumption	4 kW
Machine Dimensions (W X D X H)	2,240 x 3,395 x 2,930 mm (88.2 x 133.7 x 115.3 in)
Machine Weight	8,700 kg (19,180 lbs)
Machine Dimensions	2695 x 3727 x 2933 mm106.1 x 146.7 x 115.4 in
Approx Machine Weight	6500 kg14330 lbs
Focal Length	100/160/254 mm3.93/6.3/10 in
Ytterbium Pulsed Fibre Laser	50 / 100 W
Max Power Consumption	4 kW
X Y Z Travels	1200 x 900 x 1200 mm47.2 x 35.4 x 47.2 in
Laser Titling Axis A	180, 210 °/s, °
B Axis Max Speed	180 °/s. °
B Axis Table Diameter	800 mm31.6 in
Max 5 Axis Machining Volume	Ø 510 x 480 mmØ 20.1 x 18.9 in
Max Workpiece Volume	510 x 480 mm20.1 x 18.9 in
Max Workpiece Weight 5 Axis	1200 kg2646 lbs

Specifications sourced from gfms.com — verified 2026-03-28

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

Large 1200 x 900 x 1200 mm work envelope handles oversized mold halves and automotive panels
5-axis configuration maintains optimal laser incidence on complex freeform geometries
1,200 kg workpiece capacity accommodates heavy steel mold blocks
Multiple focal length options (100/160/254 mm) optimize texture quality for different applications
Eliminates hazardous chemical etching with environmentally clean laser texturing process
Low 4 kW power consumption delivers excellent energy efficiency for a machine of this class

Limitations

Substantial floor space requirement exceeds 7.6 m² footprint
Single 50 W laser source limits throughput on very large texturing areas compared to multi-laser systems
High capital investment places machine beyond reach of smaller mold shops
8,700 kg machine weight requires reinforced foundation and careful rigging planning

Best For

Automotive injection mold texturing replacing chemical etching processes Large mold and die shops requiring 5-axis laser texturing on complex freeform surfaces Consumer electronics mold texturing with tight surface finish specifications Moldmakers seeking environmentally compliant texturing without hazardous chemicals High-value tooling applications demanding repeatable, digitally controlled surface textures

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What surface textures can the LASER P 1200 U produce?

The LASER P 1200 U can produce a wide range of surface textures including leather grains, geometric patterns, wood grains, and custom designs. Textures are digitally defined and applied with micron-level precision, enabling exact replication across multiple mold cavities — something chemical etching cannot guarantee.

02 How does laser texturing compare to chemical etching for mold texturing?

Laser texturing eliminates the need for masking, acid baths, and multi-day process cycles. It offers superior repeatability, finer detail resolution, and the ability to texture complex 3D surfaces uniformly. The process is also environmentally clean, removing hazardous chemical waste from the workflow.

03 Can the LASER P 1200 U texture hardened tool steels?

Yes. The ytterbium fiber laser effectively textures hardened tool steels commonly used in injection molds, including P20, H13, and S136 stainless. Laser texturing is material-hardness independent, unlike mechanical processes.

04 What is the difference between the LASER P 1200 U and the LASER P 1200 U Dedicated?

The Dedicated variant features a faster B-axis (180°/s vs 90°/s), optional 100 W laser source for higher throughput, and a more compact 5-axis machining volume optimized for specific part families. The standard model offers a larger 5-axis envelope for versatility across diverse mold sizes.