Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT

Great response to Fraunhofer ILT's topics at LASER World of PHOTONICS 2023 in Munich

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© Aurora Powertrains
Sustainable mobility even in the cold: The snowmobile weighs up to 270 kilograms and travels up to 100 kilometers on one charge, depending on battery power.

Also this year the Fraunhofer ILT presented itself on joint booths at LASER World of PHOTONICS and WORLD of QUANTUM! 

Our highlight topics at a glance:

  • Laser technology for climate research
  • Laser welding for electromobility
  • Simultaneous high-speed plating and mechanical processing
  • Compact, planar galvanometer scanner for new plant concepts
  • Quantum frequency converter for Germany's first quantum internet node

 

News at a Glance

20.9.2023

Integrated Sensor Technology: The Next Step in Additive Manufacturing

The Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT will be presenting the latest research results in additive manufacturing technology at the Fraunhofer joint stand at formnext in Frankfurt am Main from November 7 to 10, 2023. Among other things, the Aachen engineers will be showing additively manufactured sensors that are printed directly onto components and that can provide real-time data for predictive maintenance. A new process makes it possible to seamlessly insert sensors into a component during the additive manufacturing process Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF).
more info

13.9.2023

When thin layers are sufficient for heavy mechanical engineering

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT are working with ADMOS Gleitlager GmbH to develop a promising alternative to solid rolling bearings for wind turbines. They aim to use extreme high-speed laser material deposition EHLA to produce low-cost and low-maintenance sliding bearings. This resource-saving and economical process can reduce weight and costs by up to 20 to 30 percent. The research project is being funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and offers a promising solution to help expand wind power quickly.
more info

30.8.2023

Recycling of refractory materials avoids 800,000 tons of CO₂

In the European research project ReSoURCE, experts from nine different companies and institutes are working together to develop sustainable solutions for the recycling of refractory materials. The German project partners are primarily providing laser know-how.
more info

29.8.2023

What can AI do in laser materials processing?

Automation and zero-defect production are important trends in machine construction. Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays a major role in advancing both of them. Today, it can already detect deviations in process monitoring data and implement quality control in real time. In the future, AI will regulate many more processes and simplify process planning through assistance functions. At the third "AI for Laser Technology Conference" on November 23 and 24, 2023, these and other trends in the application of AI in materials processing will be discussed.
more info
 

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Technology Focus

 

Laser

In this field of research, we develop innovative laser beam sources with tailored spatial, temporal and spectral properties as well as output powers.

 

Optical Systems

The focus of this research field includes beam shaping and beam guiding, frequency conversion as well as design, layout and packaging of optical components.

 

Quantum Technology

Together with international experts we are developing, among other things, photon sources, photonic components & systems for future applications in the field of quantum technology.

 

Laser Measurement Technology

Together with customers from industry and research, we develop laser processes for production measurement technology, material and bioanalytics as well as testing technology, among others.

 

Additive Manufacturing

Since the mid-1990s, Fraunhofer ILT has been advancing Additive Manufacturing – especially of metallic components – with Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) and Laser Material Deposition (LMD), among others. 

 

Surface Technology

Laser-based technologies for the efficient processing, functionalization and finishing of surfaces are among the key topics in this field of research. 

 

Joining

Our scientists develop laser beam sources and laser-based joining processes for numerous applications in micro and macro technology.

 

Cutting

We offer laser-based solutions for new or technically and economically optimized processes in cutting or ablation technology and accompany customers from the initial feasibility study to industrial implementation. 

 

Digitalization

In this technology field, we concentrate our digital competencies in laser technology and contribute to your progress in R&D and production in the age of RAMI and Industry 4.0.

 

EUV and Plasma Technology

In addition to application-adapted plasma-based beam sources, our experts develop optical systems for the efficient use of EUV radiation in industry and research, among others.

 

Medical Technology

In close cooperation with partners from life sciences, we research and develop laser-based processes for diagnostic and therapeutic applications, among others.

Laser Technology for Your Industry

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. Thanks to its intensive research and application-specific developments, the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT has been guiding its industrial partners in developing their innovations for more than 30 years – in the “branches” section you will find further information and a selection from our services.

 

Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT

Steinbachstr. 15
52074 Aachen, Germany

Telephone +49 241 8906-0
Fax +49 241 8906-121

 

Publications

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Networks

Together with German and foreign companies and research centers, Fraunhofer ILT develops a broad portfolio of solutions for innovations in industry and research.