Polishing

Polishing with laser radiation is based on the remelting of a thin surface layer of the workpiece and smoothing of the surface due to the interfacial tension. The innovation of laser polishing lies in the fundamentally different mode of action (remelting) compared to conventional grinding and polishing processes (ablation). The process is suitable for many metals, glasses and thermoplastics.

Depending on the material and the initial roughness, this process generally achieves a roughness on metals in the range of Ra = 0.1 to 0.4 μm. On optical glass, a roughness of Ra <1 nm is even possible.

Possible applications are with metals in e.g. mechanical engineering, the automotive industry, tool and mold making and medical technology. For glass, the main application is in processing aspheres and freeform optics. In the case of plastics, printed components are especially interesting. The special advantages of the laser-based process are the automated processing of complex 3D surfaces with high process speed.

Applications Metals

• Tools, dies and mold making
• Implants
• Design surfaces with multi gloss level
• Polished and structured surfaces
• Further applications

Applications Optics

• Aspheric and free-form optics made from glass and fused silica
• Spectacle lenses made from plastics

Laser Polishing Machines

• Machine tools for laser polishing of metals, glasses and plastics
• Concepts for machines with work piece weights from 0.1 to 200 kg
• 5+3-axis processing (axes system and laser scanner)
• CAM-NC data chain for 5+3-axis processing
• Fully automated polishing

Your Application

• Feasibility studies
• Test and adaption of laser polishing for your application
• Processing of test parts
• Processing of small series

Linden, S., Kreinest, L., Willenborg, E.,
CAM-NC-Datenkette für die effiziente 3D-Bearbeitung.
JOT Journal für Obenflächentechnik 62, 58-61 (2022)
https://doi.org/10.1007/s35144-022-1651-x

Kumstel, J., Roosmawangca, P. R.,
Laserstrahlumschmelzen von Blechkanten.
SCHWEIßEN UND SCHNEIDEN 74, 392-395 (2022)

Nüsser, C., Willenborg, E.:
High-speed laser micro polishing of TiAl6V4.
Journal of Laser Applications 34(1), 012025- (2022)
https://doi.org/10.2351/7.0000383 (Open Access)

Trum, C., Jung, M., Schmidbauer, B., Sitzberger, S., Willenborg, E., Rascher, R.:
Hybrid-process-chain for polishing optical glass lenses – HyoptO.
SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 24 AUGUST - 4 SEPTEMBER 2020, Online Only.
Proceedings Volume 11487, Optical Manufacturing and Testing XIII, 11487, 1-10 (2020)
http://dx.doi.org/10.1117/12.2568400

Braun, K., Willenborg, E., Schleifenbaum, J.H.:
Laser polishing as a new post process for 3D-printed polymer parts.
Procedia CIRP 94, 134-138 (2020)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procir.2020.09.026

Jung, M., Trum, C., Schmidbauer, B., Willenborg, E., Rascher, R.:
Non-ablative removal of sub surface damages in ground optical glass substrates by controlled melting of thin surface layers using CO2-laser radiation.
Seventh European Seminar on Precision Optics Manufacturing, 31 March - 1 April 2020, Teisnach, Germany.
Proceedings Volume 11478, Seventh European Seminar on Precision Optics Manufacturing; 1147804, (2020)
http://dx.doi.org/10.1117/12.2564801

Temmler, A., Comiotto, M., Ross, I., Kuepper, M., Liu, D.M., Poprawe, R.:
Surface structuring by laser remelting of 1.2379 (D2) for cold forging tools in automotive applications.
Journal of Laser Applications 31(2), 22017-12 (2019)
https://doi.org/10.2351/1.5070077

Kumstel, J., Lüken, S.:
Deburring and rounding of sheet metals and functionally relevant edges of parts using laser radiation.
MATEC Web of Conferences 190 - (2018)
https://doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/201819002003

Teller, M., Ross, I., Prünte, S., Temmler, A., Küpper, M., Poprawe, R., Schneider, J.M., Hirt, G.:
Probing the potential of structured and surface functionalized tools for dry cold forging of aluminium.
MATEC Web of Conferences 190 - (2018)
https://doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/201819014010

Teller, M., Ross, I., Temmler, A., Poprawe, R., Prünte, S., Schneider, J.M., Hirt, G.:
Investigation of Friction Conditions in Dry Metal Forming of Aluminum by Extended Conical Tube-Upsetting Tests.
Key Engineering Materials 767, 189-195 (2018)
https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.767.189

Ross, I., Temmler, A., Küpper, M., Prünte, S., Teller, M., Schneider, J.M., Poprawe, R.:
Laser Polishing of Cold Work Steel AISI D2 for Dry Metal Forming Tools: Surface Homogenization, Refinement and Preparation for Self-Assembled Monolayers.
Key Engineering Materials 767, 69-76 (2018)
https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.767.69

Teller, M., Prünte, S., Ross, I., Temmler, A., Schneider, J. M., Hirt, G.:
Tribological investigations of the applicability of surface functionalization for dry extrusion processes.
20th International ESAFORM Conference on Material Forming, 26–28 April 2017 Dublin, Ireland.
AIP Conference Proceedings 1896, 140001- (6 S.) (2017)
https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5008157

Temmler, A., Roß, I., M. Cortina, M., Poprawe, R.:
Oberflächenfunktionalisierung des Werkstoffs 1.2379+ mittels Randschichtumschmelzen mit Laserstrahlung zur Entwicklung von angepassten Oberflächentopographien für das schmiermittelfreie Kaltfließpressen von Aluminium.
Dry Metal Forming 3, 62-72 (2017)

Teller, M., Hirt, G. Roß, I., Temmler, A., Poprawe, R., Prünte, S., Schneider, J.M.:
Konzept zur Bearbeitung und tribologischen Prüfung von Fließ-pressmatrizen für das Trockenumformen von Aluminium.
Dry Metal Forming 3, 73-80 (2017)

Kumstel, J.:
Enhancement of the area rate for laser macro polishing.
WLT/LiM Lasers in Manufacturing Conference 2017. Munich, June 26-29 2017.
Proceedings of World of Photonics, (8 S.)2017

Nüsser, C., Schneider, S.:
Influence of pulse duration and scanning direction on the deformation of edges during laser micro polishing.
WLT/LiM Lasers in Manufacturing Conference 2017. Munich, June 26-29 2017.
Proceedings of World of Photonics, (11 S.) (2017)

Anemone, G., Weingarten, C., Al Taleb, A., Prieto, C., Farías, D.:
Ultrasmooth metal thin films on curved fused silica by laser polishing.
APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS 111, 1-4 (2017)
https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4999917

Weingarten, C., Steenhusen, S., Hermans, M., Willenborg, E., Schleifenbaum, J.H.:
Laser polishing and 2PP structuring of inside microfluidic channels in fused silica.
Microfluid Nanofluid 21, 1-9 (2017)
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10404-017-2000-x

Weingarten, C., Braun, K., Willenborg, E.:
Combination of Laser-based Process Steps for Optics Manufacturing.
Optical Design and Fabrication 2017 (Freeform, IODC, OFT): [Proceedings] - OSA Washington, D.C., 2017. Paper OTu3B.6, 1-3 (2017).
https://doi.org/10.1364/OFT.2017.OTu3B.6  

Weingarten, C., Uluz, E., Schmickler, A., Braun, K., Willenborg, E., Temmler, A., Heidrich, S. :
Glass processing with pulsed CO2 laser radiation.
APPLIED OPTICS 56(4), 777-783 (2017)
https://doi.org/10.1364/AO.56.000777

Weingarten, C., Schmickler, A., Willenborg, E., Wissenbach, K., Poprawe, R.:
Laser polishing and laser shape correction of optical glass.
Journal of Laser Applications 29(1), 11702- (2017)
http://dx.doi.org/10.2351/1.4974905

Teller, M., Hirt, G., Roß,I., Temmler, A.,Poprawe, R., Prünte, S.:
Abschätzung der umformtechnischen Grenzen des schmierstofffreien Kaltfließpressens von Aluminium anhand von Tribometerversuchen.
Dry Metal Forming 2, 56-61 (2016)

Teller, M., Bambach, M., Hirt, G., Roß, I., Temmler, A., Poprawe,R., Bolvardi, H.,Prünte,S., Schneider, J.M.:
Methodik zur Entwicklung von interaktionsminimierten Oberflächen-schichten für das schmiermittelfreie Kaltfließpressen von Aluminium.
Dry Metal Forming 1, 34-41 (2015)

Teller, M., Bambach, M., Hirt, G., Ross, I., Temmler, A., Poprawe, R., Bolvardi, H., Prünte, S., Schneider, J.M.:
Investigation of the suitability of surface treatments for dry cold extrusion by process-oriented tribological testing.
International Conference on Material Forming, 18, 2015, Graz. ESAFORM 2015. Vol.1 : Selected, peer reviewed papers from the 18th International ESAFORM Conference on Material Forming, (Key engineering materials 651-653), 473-479 (2015)
https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.651-653.473

Nüsser, C., Kumstel, J., Kierowski, T., Diatlov, A., Willenborg, E.:
Process- and Material-Induced Surface Structures During Laser Polishing
Advanced Engineering Materials 17, 268-277 (2015)
https://doi.org/10.1002/adem.201400426

Oreshkin, O., Küpper, M., Temmler, A., Willenborg, E.:
Active reduction of waviness through processing with modulated laser power
Journal of Laser Applications 27 (2), 22004 (7 S.) (2015)
https://doi.org/10.2351/1.4906622

Weingarten, C., Heidrich, S., Wu, Y., Willenborg, E.:
Laser polishing of glass
Optifab 2015. Ed. by J. L. Bentley, S. Stoebenau. Rochester, N.Y., October 12-15, 2015, Proc. SPIE 9633. 963303 (10 S.) (2015)
https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2200972

Heidrich, S., Weingarten, C., Willenborg, E., Poprawe, R.:
Polishing and form correction with laser radiation
Optical Fabrication and Testing, Kohala Coast, Hawaii, United States, June 22-26, 2014. Fabrication Process Technology I (OTu1B.4) (3 S.) (2014).
https://doi.org/10.1364/OFT.2014.OTu1B.4

Preussner, J., Oeser, S., Pfeiffer, W., Temmler, A., Willenborg, E.:
Microstructure and residual stresses of laser remelted surfaces of a hot work tool steel
International Journal of Materials Research 105 (4), 328-336 (2014)
https://doi.org/10.3139/146.111027

Temmler, A., Walochnik, M. A., Willenborg, E., Wissenbach, K.:
Surface structuring by remelting of titanium alloy TI6AL4V
In: Proceedings 33rd ICALEO International Congress on Applications of Lasers & Electro–Optics, October 19-23, 2014, San Diego, CA, USA
Paper ID 1401, (10 S.) (2014)
https://doi.org/10.2351/1.4906387

Willenborg, E., Heidrich, S.: Temmler, A.:
Highlights of the 1st Conference on Laser Polishing LaP 2014, Aachen, Germany
Optical Fabrication and Testing, Kohala Coast, Hawaii, United States, June 22-26, 2014. Fabrication Process Technology I (OTu1B.1) (3 S.) (2014)
https://doi.org/10.1364/OFT.2014.OTu1B.1

Temmler, A., Pütsch, O., Stollenwerk, J., Willenborg, E., Loosen, P.:
Optical set-up for dynamic superposition of three laser beams for structuring and polishing applications
Optics Express, S.1387-1393, (2014)
https://doi.org/10.1364/oe.22.001387

Heidrich, S., Richmann, A., Schmitz, P., Willenborg, E., Wissenbach, K., Loosen, P., Poprawe, R.:
Optics manufacturing by laser radiation
Optics and Lasers in Engineering, S. 34-40 (2014)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optlaseng.2014.03.001

Hauschild, D., Kumstel, J., Willenborg, E.:
Produktivität bei der Laserpolitur deutlich steigern
WT-Online 103 (11/12), 1-5 (2013)

Heidrich, S.: 
Fast freeform processing
Mikroniek 53, (3), 48-50 (2013)

Heidrich, S., Richmann, A., Willenborg, E.:
Laser-based optics manufacturing
3rd EOS Conference on Manufacturing of Optical Components (EOSMOC 2013). International Congress Centre Munich (ICM), Germany (2 S.) (2013)

Kumstel, J., Kirsch, B.:
Polishing titanium- and nickel-based alloys using cw-laser radiation
Physics Procedia 41, 362-371 (2013)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phpro.2013.03.089

Nüsser, C., Sändker, H., Willenborg, E.:
Pulsed laser micro polishing of metals using dual-beam technology
Phys. Procedia 41, 346-355 (2013)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phpro.2013.03.087

Pütsch, O., Temmler, A., Stollenwerk, J., Willenborg, E., Loosen, P.:
Active optical system for laser structuring of 3D surfaces remelting
Laser Beam Shaping XIV. Ed.: Andrew Forbes, Todd E. Lizotte. Proc. SPIE 8843, 88430D (8 S.) (2013)
https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2023306

Willenborg, E., Ross, I., Kumstel, J., Flemmer, J.:
Werkzeugmaschine für das Laserpolieren
wt Werkstattstechnik online 103, (6), 465-469 (2013)

Heidrich, S., Richmann, A., Willenborg, E.:
Development of a laser based process chain for manufacturing free form optics 
Proc. SPIE 8433, 14 S., (2012)
https://doi.org/10.1117/12.922407

Heidrich, S., Richmann, A., Willenborg, E.:
Development of manufacturing freeform glass optics with laser radiation
Optical Fabrication and Testing (OFT) Monterey, Ca., June 25, 2012
3 S., (2012)

Heidrich, S., Richmann, A., Willenborg, E.:
Optics fabrication with a laser based process chain 
8th International Conference on Optics-Photonics Design and Fabrication, “ODF’12”, Saint Petersburg, July, 2-5, 2012, 3 S., (2012)
https://doi.org/10.1364/OFT.2012.OW1D.2

Teki, R., Kadaksham, A. J., House, M. [et. al.]:
Alternative smoothing techniques to mitigate EUV substrate defectivity 
SPIE Advanced Lithography, 12-16 February 2012, San Jose, California, United States.
Proceedings Volume 8322, Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) Lithography III; 83220B (2012)
https://doi.org/10.1117/12.916497

Temmler, A., Willenborg, E., Wissenbach, K.:
Designing surfaces by laser remelting
Proc. of 7th International Conference on MicroManufacturing, Evanston, (8 S.) (2012)

Temmler, A., Willenborg, E., Wissenbach, K.:
Laser polishing
SPIE Photonics West – LASE, 21-26 January 2012, Moscone Center, San Francisco, California, USA, Proc. SPIE 8243, (13 S.) (2012)
https://doi.org/10.1117/12.906001

Flemmer, J.:
3D-Geometrien laserpolieren
Maschine + Werkzeug 9, 1-2, (2011)

Heidrich, S., Willenborg, E., Richmann, A.:
Development of a laser based process chain for manufacturing freeform optics 
Phys. Proced. 12, 519-528, (2011)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phpro.2011.03.064

Nüsser, C., Wehrmann, I., Willenborg, E.:
Influence of intensity distribution and pulse duration on laser micro polishing 
Phys. Proced. 12, 462-471, (2011)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phpro.2011.03.057

Richmann, A., Willenborg, E., Wissenbach, K.:
Laser polishing of spherical quartz lenses 
2nd EOS Conference on Manufacturing of Optical Components (EOSMOC), Munich, Germany: 23 May - 25 May 2011, (2 S) (2011)

Richmann, A., Heidrich, S.:
Polieren und Abtragen von Quarzglas mit CO2-Laserstrahlung 
2. Workshop Glasbearbeitung mit Laserstrahlung, 12. April 2011, Erlangen, (21 S.) (2011)

Temmler, A., Willenborg, E., Wissenbach, K.:
Design surfaces by laser remelting 
Phys. Proced. 12, 419-430, (2011)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phpro.2011.03.053

Nüsser, C.
Gepulster Laserstrahl poliert Implantatoberflächen
MM Maschinenmarkt 44, 28-30, (2010)

Ostholt, R., Willenborg, E., Wissenbach, K.
Laser polishing of metallic freeform surfaces
ICALEO 2010. 29th International Congress on Applications of Lasers & Electro Optics, Anaheim/Ca., September 26-30, 2010. Paper 1705, (7 S.) (2010)

Richmann, A., Willenborg, E., Wissenbach, K.:
Laser polishing of fused silica
Optical Fabrication and Testing (OFT), Jackson Hole, WY, June 14-17, 2010: Laser Writing in Materials (OTuC), (3. S.) (2010)
https://doi.org/10.1364/OFT.2010.OTuC2

Richmann, A., Willenborg, E., Wissenbach, K.:
Polieren optischer Präzisionsoberflächen mit Laserstrahlung
DGaO Deutsche Gesellschaft für Angewandte Optik, 111. Jahrestagung vom 25.-29.5.2010 in Wetzlar, (2 S.) (2010)

Temmler, A., Graichen, K., Donath, J.:
Laser polishing in medical engineering
Laser Technik 7 (2), 53-57, (2010)
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/latj.201090028

Richmann, A., Willenborg, E., Wissenbach, K.:
Laser polishing of fused silica
Proc. of the 5th Int. WLT Conf. on Lasers in Manufacturing 2009, Munich, June 15th-18 th, 2009. Ed. by A. Ostendorf [u.a.] Stuttgart: AT-Fachverlag, pp. 691-702, (2009)

Ostholt, R., Willenborg, E., Wissenbach, K.:
Laser polishing of metallic freeform surfaces
Proc. of the 5th Int. WLT Conf. on Lasers in Manufacturing 2009, Munich, June 15th-18th, 2009.
Ed. by A. Ostendorf [u.a.]
Stuttgart: AT-Fachverlag, pp. 397-401, (2009)

Willenborg, E.
Polieren mit Laserstrahlung
Kunststoffe 97, 63-66, (2007)

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