Laser Welding

Overview

Our range of services

Research and development in the field of laser welding focuses primarily on extending current process limits, such as increasing processing speed and weld seam quality. For this purpose, the Fraunhofer ILT develops process-specific optics, nozzles and control systems. With precise beam shaping and process-adapted controls, high accuracies and qualities can be achieved for weld seams. At the same time, the processes are suitable for materials that are difficult to treat, such as ultra-high-strength steels, high-strength aluminum alloys or composite materials. The focus is also on integrated applications that combine cutting, welding and additive processes and are therefore very economical.

Particularly challenging applications include the welding of superalloys in the energy industry and high-performance welding for offshore applications. To this end, Fraunhofer ILT develops extremely robust beam guides and processing heads, which are also suitable for steel and aluminum industries, for shipbuilding and heavy mechanical engineering as well as for vehicle construction and the aviation industry.

The range of services includes market-oriented R&D services in all areas of the process chains that use laser-based welding and cutting processes. Fraunhofer ILT supports customers in the conception and development of industrial processes or components, with design and simulation services as well as market and feasibility studies.

Hybrid welding of a cantilever beam for a construction vehicle.
© Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen, Germany.
Hybrid welding of a cantilever beam for a construction vehicle.
Weld seam in S500MC/DP980 after buckling and bending load in the forming tool.
© Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen, Germany.
Weld seam in S500MC/DP980 after buckling and bending load in the forming tool.
Drum made of AlMg5 (3.3555) with a wall thickness of 11.5 mm.
© Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen, Germany.
Drum made of AlMg5 (3.3555) with a wall thickness of 11.5 mm.

Fusion Welding of Metallic Materials

  • Diode-, Fiber-, Disc-, and CO2-Lasers
  • Hybrid and combined processes
  • Welding metallurgy
  • Material-radiation interactions
  • Combined and integrated processes

Materials

  • Steels and nickel-base alloys
  • Aluminium and titanium alloys
  • Copper, platinum, refractories
  • Intermetallics
  • Dissimilar joints

Testing of Processes

  • Weldability
  • Failure and damage analysis
  • Test of components and systems

Applications

  • Industrial services
  • Tool development and testing
  • Pilot production

Consulting

  • Materials science
  • Processes and manufacturing
  • Laser-suited design
  • Components and systems

Brochures

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

 

“Laser Processing of Composites“

 

“Laser Beam Welding of Metallic Materials“

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!

 

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.