Implementing innovative laser manufacturing technologies creates competitive advantages. Fraunhofer ILT's specialists from the fields of optics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, mechatronics, physics and computer science develop individual laser manufacturing systems for the respective application.
In close contact with its customers, the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT implements new methods in laser material processing as customer specific, system technological solutions. All developments focus on stable productivity of the manufacturing systems and quality of the products. After the processes are successfully implemented in the laboratory, our facilities allow production runs at sample volume for validation. We support our partners during implementation, production ramp-up and in series production.
Foundation for this is a system technology portfolio which fully exploits the potential of laser materials processing methods with regard to speed, precision and flexibility. Fraunhofer ILT supports its customers in a direct dialogue during development and testing of laser processing methods as well as during the design and production of machinery and equipment.
Based on the specific requirements of various laser technologies and components, we design and produce with our partners special machinery which can be integrated into existing production environments seamlessly. For special tasks we have our own design and production facilities with which, for example, special optical systems and equipment can be manufactured on demand for integration into existing systems.
Highly productive and precise laser processes require optical system solutions with which the potential of new technologies becomes exploitable with thermal and temporal stability. Thanks to an experienced optical development unit using a comprehensive simulation of the optical transmission function, we develop high-performance processing optics for a multitude of different laser processes. The spectrum ranges from processing optics which combine laser processes, such as welding and cutting, via systems for extreme power densities, to special solutions for laser drilling where high precision holes with a high aspect ratio can be drilled by rapidly moving the laser beam on a helical path. All processing optics developed by Fraunhofer ILT can be equipped with systems for visual work piece monitoring and process control.
Efficient use of laser sources with high output power and high beam quality requires delivery systems which focus the processing radiation in the required dynamic manner onto the processing location. Here, Fraunhofer ILT’s activities complement each other in the field of manufacturing technologies and requirements in mechanical engineering. In cooperation with research partners, the institute creates system concepts and system solutions for individual manufacturing tasks where speed and efficiency play a major role. Moreover, the Fraunhofer ILT develops system solutions where special sensor systems allow correction of the tool path for motion systems which jointly use robots and scanners for beam delivery. In surface treatment with ultra short pulse lasers, optical scanning- systems based on polygon scanners and acousto-optical deflectors provide feed rates of more than 100 m/s. The application of such innovative scanning systems allows the industrial use of new processing methods and the up-scaling of existing methods to large areas.
Our services include the development and integration of systems and components such as processing heads, special optics, ultra high speed scanner systems and process monitoring systems into existing systems through to the development of new laser manufacturing systems.
At Fraunhofer ILT, users can test their own ideas in feasibility studies and, in case of success, transform them into concrete systems, processes and applications. As an independent institute, we individually assist in selecting the most suitable suppliers and components from the current market and blend them into solutions tailored to the customer.
Our range of services is supplemented by individual training and development seminars as well as practical training workshops. Within the projects, our customers have access to numerous lasers and robots as well as to the institute’s precision engineering and electronics workshops. Fraunhofer ILT is certified according to DIN EN ISO 9001. All projects are therefore conducted according to the guidelines of our quality management system.
Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT
