Seminar:
New trends and technologies
for laser processing and control

Laser cutting and welding have been two of the most widespread applications of industrial lasers in production.

The two processes have many similarities technologically, but have quite different characteristics of applications.

While laser cutting is widely applied in flexible production of sheet metal products down to one-of-a-kind products, laser welding is mainly applied in mass production because shifting from one job to another within welding is rather complex.

In this presentation the characteristics of the processes will be described and some typical applications will be highlighted.

We have built the first truly open-architecture metal laser powder-bed fusion system in the world. This has allowed us to take a deep dive into the intricacies of real-time laser and scanhead control, and to push the boundaries of what is possible in additive manufacturing. In this talk, we will explore how precise, responsive control over laser power, and scanhead motion can lead to the production of higher quality parts with novel functional material properties and pushing the complexity bounds of the geometries that we can produce.

We will cover the technical journey of developing an adaptable control platform that meets the demands of industrial applications, from processing considerations to our optimized binary encapsulated communication protocol designed to minimize latency and enable rapid, precise control for real-time additive manufacturing. We will also discuss our novel time-based motion algorithm and the use of one of the most capable ARM Cortex-M7 processors available, which together support new scanning strategies, reduce tracking errors, and improve part quality, even on challenging builds.

We will round the talk by looking at how using an open-source approach cultivates collaboration and innovation, allowing engineers and researchers to experiment and expand on each other’s work. This talk is a in other words your exclusive opportunity as a person who is interested in additive manufacturing to learn about how real-time control and open design principles are advancing the field

To be announced

Manufacturing of sheet metal components can be done by a wide range of laser technologies.
This presentation will show how to use laser forming in a combination with other laser technologies to manufacture industrial sheet metal components. Additional 3D measurements for quality control is implemented to make a complete Industry 4.0 system for laser processing.

Lasers can be a powerful tool. Powerful enough to process metals. Imagine the power it would have, if it were to target you -let alone your eyes.
Laser Safety is not an option, it is mandatory and required by law. For lasers applied in materials processing, the power levels are sufficient to cause significant injury if the required proper precautions are not used. Therefore training, labelling and risk assessment is essential.
This presentation outlines the properties that make lasers a potential hazard even at great distances. It introduces the biophysical effects of laser radiation, and a brief example of the basic considerations and calculations you must make for a risk assessment concerning laser hazards.

Originally, laser welding in metal was mainly cost-effective and technologically suited for automotive, or other similar mass production industries.
However, in recent years the costs, as well as the technological possibilities have improved a lot, making laser interesting also to small and midsize companies. Products suitable for automatic welding using TIG or TIG-Plasma processes, where exceptional welding quality and finish are required, are often worth considering for laser welding.
This presentation focuses on the implementation of laser welding processes in your metal production. Which obstacles and challenges has to be overcome, and how it can be done.
Examples and insights will be shown on selecting and designing the right equipment to ensure the successful implementation of laser welding in your metal production process.

Laser technology is offering many advantages in different fields of production. BROEN A/S has over the past years developed the next generation of steel ball valves and implemented a new highly automized production line in Assens (Denmark) utilising laser technology for welding and cleaning where multiple processes have been patented. The positive impact, such as reduced cycle times, repetitive quality, reduced water consumption and reduced product carbon footprint is overwhelming. Stringent component and equipment requirements are on the other hand necessary.