Performance and Results Annual Report 2007
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ILT Performance and Results Annual Report 2007 Annual Report Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT 2007 Foreword Industry and the consumer society are A first step in this direction was the becoming ever more demanding. On combination of laser welding and cutt- the one hand, products are expected ing without retooling, using special to offer excellent value for money, optics. This success is likely to encou- which they can generally only do rage further synergies between such if they are mass-produced. On the processes as structuring and polishing other, more and more customers are in tool making. Laser-based solutions requesting high-quality solutions speci- could also help to miniaturize products ally tailored to their individual needs. while at the same time allowing for a Product managers are increasingly wide variety of product versions. Over confronted with such key concepts as the last few years, the Fraunhofer ILT ‘mass customization’ and ‘one-piece has developed various processing stra- flow’. A number of industrial sectors tegies such as the TWIST and SHADOW are producing a growing variety of techniques for high-speed precision products, while at the same time joining with flexible path control. These maintaining a good price-performance are of particular benefit to the clock- ratio and all the positive features of a making, medical and precision successful brand, such as an attractive engineering sectors. design, high functionality, excellent reliability and pronounced user-friend- The market trends of numerous in- liness. dustries are consistently pushing the development of laser technology. The Laser technology has proven to be an Fraunhofer ILT is responding to the excellent problem-solver in reconciling challenging questions and require- all these different requirements. It can ments of its industrial R&D partners be perfectly integrated into modern with creative solutions. Our annual production systems to ensure flexibility, report will give you an idea of our quality and automated operation. many and varied project results. We The Cluster of Excellence »Integrative would also be delighted to take on any Production Technology for High-Wage challenging tasks your own company Countries« at RWTH Aachen Univer- may have for us. With this prospect in sity, of which the Fraunhofer ILT is a mind, I wish you an inspiring read and member, has long been working to look forward to your feedback. solve the dilemma that opposes eco- nomies of scale and scope. The first Yours sincerely, achievements, such as the series pro- duction of customized dental prosthe- ses by selective laser melting, have already been introduced on the market in close collaboration with an innovative industrial partner. Another noteworthy Professor Reinhart Poprawe M.A. accomplishment is the combination of different laser manufacturing processes in integrated laser systems. Fraunhofer ILT Annual Report 2007 3 Contents Profile of the Institute 6 Some Special Research Results from the Business Areas Declaration of Principles 7 of Fraunhofer ILT Business Areas 8 Laser and Plasma Sources 35 - 60 Board and Committees 10 Laser Material Processing 61 - 106 Contacts 11 Laser Plant and System Technology 107 - 118 Core Areas 12 Laser Measurement Services 14 and Testing Technology 119 - 139 Facts and Figures 16 Patents 140 References 19 Dissertations 141 Fraunhofer USA Center for Laser Technology CLT 20 Diploma Theses 141 Coopération Laser Scientific Publications 142 Franco-Allemande CLFA 22 Lectures 144 Fraunhofer Alliance Surface Engineering and Photonics VOP 24 Conventions and Conferences 148 The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft Trade Fairs 150 at a Glance 26 Publications 151 Laser Technology at RWTH Aachen 28 CD-Rom »Laser Technology« 154 Cluster of Excellence Technical Book »Laser »Integrative Production Technology Technology for Manufacturing« 155 for High-Wage Countries« 30 Information Service 156 European Laser Institute ELI 32 Imprint 157 PhotonAix e. V. - Competence Network for Optical Technologies 33 Fraunhofer ILT Annual Report 2007 5 Profile of the Institute In the business area »laser plant and Short Profile system technology« prototypes are developed, built up and installed on site. ILT - for more than twenty years, this ab- Process monitoring and control as well breviation has stood for extensive know- as system components and control how in laser technology. Innovative software are part of the activities. In solutions for manufacturing and pro- the business area »laser measurement duction problems, development of and testing technology« processes and new technical components, competent systems for inspection of surfaces, for DQS certified by advice and training, highly-qualified chemical analysis, for testing the accu- DIN EN ISO 9001 personnel, the latest technologies and racy of dimensions and geometry of Reg.-No.: DE-69572-01 an international reputation: these are workpieces as well as for analysis of the guarantors for long-term business static and dynamic deformations are relations. The numerous customers of developed. the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Tech- nology ILT belong to various sectors The comprehensive offer of services like automobile industry, mechanical of the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser engineering, chemical and electrical Technology ranges from research and engineering, steel construction, preci- development as well as system construc- sion mechanics and optics. tion and quality assurance to advice and training. Industrial laser systems With more than 250 employees and from various manufacturers as well as 10.000 m2 of usable floor space the an extensive infrastructure are available Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technolo- for the work on research and gy is world-wide one of the most development projects. important development and contract research institutes of its specific field. In the Laser User Center of the Fraun- The four business areas cover a wide hofer Institute for Laser Technology range of actual and vertical integrated guest companies work in their own topics. In the business area »laser and separated laboratories and offices. The plasma sources« development activities basis of this special form of technology are concentrated on innovative diode transfer is a long-term cooperation and solid state lasers for industrial use agreement with the institute in the as well as compact EUV-sources for field of research and development. lithographic use in semiconductor The surplus value lies in the use of the production. The business area »laser technical infrastructure and in the material processing« offers solutions information exchange with ILT´s in cutting, ablation, drilling, welding, experts. Already 10 companies profit soldering, surface treatment and micro from the advantages of the Laser User processing. The activities cover a wide Center. Besides laser manufacturers range of applications from macro and laser users, entrepreneurs from processing via nano structuring to the areas of special machine production, biophotonics. laser processing and laser measurement find a suitable frame to realize their ideas on an industrial scale. 6 Fraunhofer ILT Annual Report 2007 Declaration of Principles Mission We occupy an international top position in transferring laser technology to industrial application. We continually expand the knowledge base and know-how in our sector and make significant contributions to the ongoing development of science and technology. Working with our partners in industry, science and government, we create innovations on the basis of new beam sources and new applications. Customers The customers needs are the focus of our work. Discretion, fairness and a spirit of part- Fascination Laser Management style nership are top priorities in our customer relationships. Our customers can rely The unique characteristics of laser light Cooperative, demanding and suppor- on us. and the resulting diversity of applica- tive. Knowing the value of our staff as tions, are a constant source of inspiration individuals and the value of their We tailor solutions and their cost- and fascination. know-how and their commitment effective implementation to the forms the basis of our management demands and expectations of our philosophy. We involve our staff in the customers, with the objective of formulation of goals and the decision- creating a competitive advantage. Staff making process. We place a high value on effective communication, goal- We support industry’s needs for new Teamwork between the individual oriented and efficient work and clear specialists and managerial staff and the group is the foundation of our decisions. through project-based partnerships success. with our customers. We want our customers to be satisfied Position - because we want them to return. Strengths We work within vertical structures, Our broad spectrum of resources from research to application. enables us to offer one-stop solutions. Chances Our expertise extends from beam source, machining and measuring techniques, We strategically expand our knowledge to application, through to integration base across the network. of systems into the customer’s produc- tion line. Fraunhofer ILT Annual Report 2007 7 Business Areas Laser and Plasma Sources Laser Material Processing This business area encompasses the Production processes addressed by development of diode laser modules this business area include cutting and and systems as well as diode-pumped joining techniques applying micro- and solid-state lasers with different reso- macro-technology,