Overview of achieved results within the project:
- Concepts for both mentioned optical systems were developed:
- The concept for the beam-shaping optics is based on a shaping of the raw Gaussian beam via a DOE (diffractive optical element) and the adaption to the work piece geometry using a deformable mirror. By this an individually shaped intensity distribution should be achieved with keeping the process conditions constant also on freeform surfaces.
- In case of the multi-beam optics a DOE is used for splitting a Gaussian beam into four equal beams. Each of the four beams is individually controllable in all three Cartesian directions via using a spot position control unit. For the lateral position this is achieved by using two rotating glass plates. For the vertical shift (parallel to the optical axis) this is done by using a movable lens.
- A 5-axis laser machine tool with an integrated measuring probe for defining the work piece coordinate system was designed and build up. The CAM-NC data chain was enhanced and provides the tool path data for laser processing of 3D-parts for all three laser processes and both optics.
- For both optics a prototype has been developed and characterized. After some improvements the Multi-Beam optics could be integrated into the 5-axis machine and parts of the end-users could be laser structured successfully. With the Beam-Shaping optics, it was not yet possible to process 3D parts of the end-users, as different problems arose, which could only partially be solved within the scope of the project. The following problems could not be solved within the framework of the project and currently prevent the use of Beam-Shaping optics:
- Originally not planned realization of the intensity distribution via a DOE, which must be rotatable, so that the intensity distribution can be aligned to the scan direction, represents a clearly more complex approach (both for the adjustment and for the control of the system). One problem is that the intensity distribution did not rotate around its center, so that a meander-shaped laser polishing was not possible. Design and manufacturing of additional components for beam guidance in order to optimize/correct the alignment of the laser beam into the hollow shaft motor was done, but no longer integrated and adjusted into the Beam-Shaping optics within the scope of the project.
- Hysteresis effect of the deformable mirror (inherent to the piezo-materials) makes a feedforward control challenging and will require modification of the mirror controller.
- Intensity distribution does not meet the requirements, especially for thin-film applications.
Thus the Beam-Shaping optics needs further improvements
In order to give the end-users at least the opportunity to evaluate the quality of laser-processed components, other laboratory set-ups (state of the art) were used to process 3D parts.
- Different application tests on the laser structured parts were performed at the end-users and showed promising results. For both applications of the end-users a reduction of the processing time by a factor of 3 was achieved using the Multi-Beam optics. Although the goal of a 10-fold higher throughput is not achieved with this example product, the cost savings are nevertheless considerable. For the consideration of a concrete case a cost reduction of 58 % results.
In sum three prototypes were built within ultraSurface (Beam-Shaping optics, Multi-Beam optics, 5-axis laser machine tool). The commercial exploitation of the Beam-Shaping optics is not possible with the current prototype result, as the basic goals could not be demonstrated. However, the market potential for a high average laser power beam shaping system is still very attractive for a lot of different applications (polishing, additive manufacturing, welding, surface treatment). Thus further research especially on the deformable mirror is planned in order to increase the TRL-level of this technology. The successfully tested Multi-Beam prototype will be used for marketing activities to show its possibilities for different applications like micro-structuring or drilling. Furthermore a product version of the Multi-Beam optics will be developed, produced and distributed with an increased number of laser beams. Also the work of the 5-axis laser machine tool was successfully demonstrated. This machine tool is on the one hand an independent product and on the other hand can be adapted and used for various 3D laser processes.
Additionally several products developed or further developed by the SMEs as part of the project are already being sold. In addition, a new company is planned based on the project results regarding a job shop for laser surface processing.
