Machine Control

Our range of services

When laser beam sources of high power and beam quality are used in laser material processing, delivery systems are required to guide the radiation at high dynamics to the processing location and to focus it there precisely. In close cooperation with research partners, Fraunhofer ILT develops system solutions for customized manufacturing tasks that offer high processing speed, precision and efficiency.

In surface processing with ultrashort pulse lasers, for example, optical systems based on polygon scanners and acousto-optical modulators (AOM) reach high processing speeds. These systems enable users to apply new machining processes and scale existing ones. In the field of high-speed machining with laser cutting, the industry uses combinations of high-precision, high-speed laser position controls and laser scanners with synchronously coupled machine-axis systems. For additive manufacturing with laser powder bed fusion, for example, multiple laser scanner systems with gantry positioning systems are combined with associated control solutions to scale processing speed and build space. For the Laser Material Deposition (LMD) process, Fraunhofer ILT is developing adaptive control concepts to capture component geometries in the machine and implement adaptive machining processes. In addition, the institute is refining system solutions that enable active path correction in the area of combined beam positioning by robots and scanners using adapted sensor technology.

The institute focuses its work in control technology on sensor integration in existing systems, real-time control of components and sensors for high-precision position detection, control and component position detection. Fraunhofer ILT develops software modules for the control and automation of processes, which are optimized in particular for laser material processing.

The range of services we offer includes conducting feasibility studies, developing tailor-made machines and control systems, integrating developed processes into existing production environments as well as conducting workshops and consulting on an individual basis.

System Technology for Laser Powder Bed Fusion.
© Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen, Germany.
System Technology for Laser Powder Bed Fusion.
Polygon scanner system for laser material processing.
© Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen, Germany.
Polygon scanner system for laser material processing.
Machine tool for laser polishing.
© Fraunhofer ILT, Aachen, Germany.
Machine tool for laser polishing.

Control technology

  • Sensor integration in existing plants
  • Real-time control of additional components (actuators)
  • High-precision position detection, position control, component position detection
  • Flexible CAD-CAM solutions for laser material processing
  • Control solutions for combined/cascaded beam guiding and shaping systems
  • Adaptive machine control 

Brochures

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

 

“Polygon Scanners for Laser Material Processing“

 

“Software Tools for Laser Material Processing“

 

“System Technology for Laser Material Processing“

 

“Process Control in Laser Materials Processing“

“System Engineering for Powder-Based Laser Cladding“

Branches

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.

Publications

Dolkemeyer, J., Funck, M., Morasch, V.
Flexible Automatisierung in der Produktion der Zukunft
RWTH-Themen Nr 1, 30-35
2010