An overview of the results and their exploitation plan are presented below:
• The ModuLase system was successfully demonstrated to an industrial audience on three industrial case study applications, covering welding, cutting and cladding processes; and proving the concept of the system for flexible manufacturing. The ModuLase full system is planned to be sold by SODECIA/GTAC.
• A Beam Forming Unit (BFU), capable of delivering a wide-range of laser beam energy distributions (suitable for laser welding, cutting and cladding processes), was designed and manufactured. ULO will provide SODECIA with optics or optical sub-assemblies.
• Modular ‘plug and play’ end-effectors were designed and manufactured, which can be rapidly (less than 1 minute changeover) attached to the BFU to provide the additional functionality required for the different processes (welding, cladding and cutting processes). SODECIA will produce the Plug and play end-effectors in order to be assembled in the full system; and/or sell the end-effectors alone to integrate in other commercially available heads.
• A quality assurance system compatible with all three processes: welding, cladding and cutting processes, by using a VIS/NIR sensor (visible and near infrared spectral range) and a SWIR/MWIR sensor (short and mid wavelength infrared) coaxial to the laser process. Currently commercially available systems for Quality Assurance and Quality Control are process specific. Despite using similar technologies, existing process monitoring systems are typically supplied for one process. AIMEN will provide the Quality Monitoring system that could be integrated in the ModuLase head or in other commercially available heads.
• A friendly knowledge database was created and integrated within the Control-User interface, enabling ease use of laser technology for laser processing, without the need for expert knowledge in laser processing. Q-Sys will provide SODECIA with the User machine Interface in order to be assembled in the full system
• Training: Harmonised system of qualification across Europe through EWF authorised training centres
• Know-how for development and adaption of laser processes and user-friendly HMI interface in the context of the overall ModuLase system: Industrial members of TWI, in Europe and worldwide, will benefit from the generated knowledge, which will find applications within the transport, power and aerospace sector as well as other industry sectors involving high variety/high volume manufacturing
Dissemination material and activities were carried out to raise awareness about the ModuLase project among various target users and for attracting potential customers. Dissemination channels have included the project website, conferences, publications, the partners' own websites, training to an industrial audience, social-media channels. More details on publicly available dissemination material can be found on the ModuLase website (
https://www.modulase.eu/(öffnet in neuem Fenster)).
Activities for maximising exploitation of project results and reducing time to market were performed. Activities included an analysis on the potential market for the ModuLase technologies, potential commercialisation routes, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) considerations and an evaluation of the ModuLase main competitors.
