Process and Beam Control

Overview

Our range of services

Monitoring systems are needed to promote process understanding and facilitate certification purposes of complex laser-based additive manufacturing and micro- and nanostructuring processes since the industry places such high demands upon their quality and productivity. Fraunhofer ILT develops and implements a wide range of technologies for inline process monitoring and control, in particular for improving product and process quality. Pyrometric and camera-based systems with analysis tools for thermal or plasma radiation as well as laser-based measurement methods are used here and allow efficient inline process monitoring. This way, defective components or processes can be quickly detected and downstream quality controls replaced.

Not only is acquiring process information important, but it is also crucial to record the process flow through intermediate and trend information. In this context, process sensor technology is an important element for optimizing laser machining processes. The efficient and stable use of sensors in industrial environments requires a high level of process understanding; knowledge and experience from the areas of process development and modeling, system technology as well as beam source development flow into the development and integration of systems for process monitoring. In order to promote process-specific advantages of laser material processing, non-contact measurement processes are commonly used, such as spectroscopy, triangulation, pyrometry, thermography and camera-based methods.

Process data are evaluated with new analysis methods in order to meet the high demands of laser material processing in real time. Modern AI-based processes are used here, which, among other things, make it possible to sharpen process classification.

The range of services we offer includes running feasibility studies, developing and implementing technologies for process visualization and process diagnostics, process monitoring and process control, integrating them in industrial manufacturing environments as well as consulting on an individual basis.

Robust thickness measurement system »bd-2« (two interferometric sensors and a C-frame).
© Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen, Germany.
Robust thickness measurement system »bd-2« (two interferometric sensors and a C-frame).
Alignment of powder focus, position of the processing laser radiation (green) and measuring radiation of the "bd-1" (red).
© Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen, Germany.
Alignment of powder focus, position of the processing laser radiation (green) and measuring radiation of the "bd-1" (red).
Experimental set-up for simulated heating of FKV tapes.
© Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen, Germany.
Experimental set-up for simulated heating of FKV tapes.

Range of services: Process and beam monitoring

  • Monitoring, control and regulation of laser manufacturing processes for many applications of laser technology at different processing wavelengths
  • Process monitoring with high spatial and temporal resolution camera systems and fast hardware-based real-time image processing
  • Feasibility studies on the feasibility of process monitoring and control
  • Integration of process monitoring and control in existing production facilities
  • Development of application-oriented tailor-made sensors, e.g. for the seam sequence in laser beam welding, distance measurement in laser buildup welding
  • Design of networked multi-sensor systems, e.g. for production data acquisition or multi-parameter control

Brochures

Our brochures offer a quick view onto our service portfolio. Find more detailed information in the “project results“ tab.

 

“Process Control in Laser Materials Processing“

 

“System Technology for Laser Material Processing“

 

“Polygon Scanners for Laser Material Processing“

Markets

Laser technology can solve demanding tasks in many different industries. Whether as a tool in automotive production, as measuring equipment in the environmental sector, as a diagnostic or therapeutic instrument in medical technology or as a communication medium in space technology, the laser provides multiple uses with high productivity and high efficiency.

Read up about the innovations of the Fraunhofer ILT in a few selected industries and convince yourself!

Flyer

Here you will find more detailed information on processes, components and systems developed by our scientists in the range of products and services on “Process and Beam Control“.

 

Research with us!

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about general topics! Our contact persons are happy to get in touch with you.