Industrial laser welding prototype
Welding is an important part of many industries. Hence, advancing welding technology could benefit a number of different business sectors. With this in mind, the GROWTH Programme funded the IPCIM project, bringing together welding experts, academics and industrial partners from around Europe. Trumpf, a worldwide leader in welding technology based in Germany, took the lead in developing a prototype integrated industrial laser welding head. In comparison to conventional welding techniques, laser welding boasts high accuracy and speed due to the high concentration of power. During IPCIM, Trumpf successfully tested the laser prototype in the laboratory. Work is now in progress to incorporate the knowledge gained during the project into the design of a final, market-ready product. Potential customers include companies active in large section and sheet metal steel welding such as shipyards and producers of heavy-duty pipes, tanks, vessels, etc. In addition, Trumpf scientists investigated combining the advantages of laser welding with traditional Metal Arc Inert Gas (MIG) welding. The laser-MIG hybrid retains the power and speed of the laser while integrating the energy and cost efficiencies of MIG welding. Since the shortcomings of laser welding are compensated for by the MIG component, the hybrid technology opens doors to a wider clientele. Trumpf has already acquired orders for its new product line and is also looking to provide consulting services in this rapidly growing field.