Rofin's laser used to make GBP50m skull

Rofin can reveal its Starweld Performance laser welding system was used to make the world's most expensive piece of contemporary art: 'For the Love of God', Damien Hirst's diamond-encrusted skull.

The skull, bought in August 2007 by an unnamed investment group for GBP50m, was created for Hirst over a period of 18 months by Bentley and Skinner of Bond Street, London, using more than 8,601 flawless diamonds and 2,156g of platinum.

It is the largest diamond piece commissioned since the crown jewels.

An original 18th century skull of a mid-30s-man was used to make a cast before 32 individual platinum plates were created and joined together using a Rofin Starweld Performance laser welding system.

The design and configuration of the Starweld Performance laser welder allowed the skill and innovation of the craftsman to be enhanced by the precision joining technology of the laser.

The individual components are held in the hands underneath the laser beam, with the precise location of the laser weld accurately viewed through a microscope, ensuring accurate welds each time.

The welding process was repeated until all of the 32 plates were joined, forming the setting piece for the diamonds.

Manual laser welding allows platinum and other precious metals such as gold, silver, stainless steel and titanium to be joined together without the use of soldering.

Starweld Performance can weld seams of less than 100um and can process materials as thin as 10um or wires of 20um in diameter.

When welding platinum, there is usually no need for additional finishing as excellent results are achieved with low power and without oxidisation.

Spot size and laser parameters can be adjusted using joysticks inside the welder.

The workpiece is viewed using a stereo microscope and the position of the laser weld is precisely set using a fine cross hair.

Laser firing is initiated using a remote footswitch, allowing the hands to remain free to position the part in the weld area.

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