Overview
GF Machining Solutions - Laser Trainer & Technical Consultant | Walton-on-Thames, UK | On-Site & Remote | Freelance / Contract | Competitive Day Rate
Fimark Ltd is one of the UK's longest-established and most technically advanced laser surface finishing specialists, with more than 25 years of experience delivering high-precision laser etching, engraving, and 3D texturing for leading global clients. Operating a suite of state-of-the-art laser systems - including GF Machining Solutions AgieCharmilles Laser P 400 platforms with dual-head femtosecond and fibre 5-axis capability - Fimark works across automotive, aerospace, medical, consumer products and mould tool manufacturing.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced GF Machining Solutions Laser Trainer and Technical Consultant to deliver focused, practical training for operators and technical staff. This freelance/contract role covers both on-site sessions at our Walton-on-Thames facility and remote support, designed for individuals with direct, hands-on experience as a GF Machining Solutions trainer, application engineer or senior operator. Candidates with experience on other laser platforms will not be considered, as the GF workflow, software ecosystem and machine-specific calibration are fundamentally different.
Training Scope
- CAD File Loading & Format Conversion
- Preparing and importing CAD models (IGES, STEP, STL, OBJ) into LaserCam / GF software.
- Mesh conversion, surface definition and volume-to-engrave setup.
- Troubleshooting import errors, geometry issues and scale/orientation problems.
- File management best practices for repeatable, production-ready datasets.
- Machine Set-Up & Calibration
- Full machine initialisation, axis referencing and safety protocols for the Laser P 400 / P 400U.
- Laser source selection and configuration (nanosecond fibre vs. femtosecond ultrashort pulsed).
- Focus calibration, beam quality verification and lens selection.
- Workpiece probing and co-ordinate system setup using the Renishaw TP1 touch probe.
- Vision system use for automatic laser positioning.
- Exhaust and pneumatic system checks.
- 5-Axis LaserCam Programming & Simulation
- 3-axis and 5-axis toolpath generation for texturing, engraving, groove machining and laser blasting.
- LaserCam simulation, collision checking and process verification.
- Parameter optimisation for different materials (steel, carbide, titanium, glass, sapphire, polymers and more).
- Dual Laser head workflows combining nano and femto sources in a single setup.
- System 3R Tooling & Automation
- Chuck and pallet system setup (Dynafix 280 / GPS 240 / Macro 54).
- Workpiece referencing and pallet change procedures.
- Integration with automation cells (WPT1+, Crevoisier C66) where applicable.
- General Operations & Ongoing Support
- Daily maintenance routines, consumables management and error diagnosis.
- Remote troubleshooting and guidance for operators between on-site visits.
- Developing and leaving behind clear, Fimark-specific reference materials and SOPs.
Ideal Candidate
- Current or former GF Machining Solutions application engineer, trainer or territory specialist.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience with AgieCharmilles Laser P series machines (P 400 / P 400U strongly preferred).
- Proficiency in LaserCam software and the full GF digital workflow from CAD to laser.
- The GF software suite consists of: GFAC Laser Design, GFAC Laser Control, GFAC Simulator, GFAC 3D Map, GFAC Concatenate Files, and GFAC Laser Cam.
- An understanding of how these software modules work inside Rhino 5 is desirable.
- An ability to set up new jobs on the Agie Charmilles / GF L400 & L1000 lasers would also be desirable.
- Comfortable training mixed-experience audiences - from first-time operators to experienced programmers.
- Able to work both on-site in Walton-on-Thames and deliver structured remote sessions.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to write clear, practical training documentation.
- UK-based or willing to travel to UK; right to work in UK required.
- GF-Specific Experience Required
We will only consider applications from individuals with direct GF Machining Solutions Laser platform experience. Expertise with other laser systems (Coherent, Trumpf, Trotec, Epilog, Bystronic, or similar) does not transfer directly to the GF workflow and is not applicable to this role.
What We Offer
- Flexible, freelance engagement - agree scope, schedule and format together.
- Competitive day rate, commensurate with GF-certified or equivalent experience.
- Meaningful impact: your training will directly shape the capability of an experienced precision laser team.
- Ongoing relationship: potential for repeat engagements as our operations and equipment evolve.
- Access to Fimark\'s full GF Laser P 400 setup including femtosecond and dual-head configurations.
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