Materials and Processes

Modern lasers can be used in all main material processing fields in industrial manufacturing.

Besides economic criteria, the successful use of lasers is based on reliable process techniques, highest processing speeds and precision, and ensuring constant processing quality.

In the field of materials and processes, the LZH focuses on process development for the use of industrial lasers in material processing. The main competences are in the field of joining, surface and separating techniques, process analysis and quality control, safety, as well as special processes with high demands on both the materials and processes.

In recent years, especially the activities concerning hybrid process development and machine technology (laser MIG, laser plasma, etc.), rapid prototyping and 3-D cladding, precision and microprocessing, laser hardening, plastic processing, and handguided laser techniques have been expanded. The applications focus on lightweight construction materials (e.g. aluminum, magnesium, titanium and metal foams), modern steels (e.g. high-strength steels), and polymers. The application fields are in many cases machine, automobile, aircraft and rail vehicle construction, as well as technology for medical applications.

In the field of research work, special emphasis has been placed on extending the application possibilities and process limits of modern beam processes. Apart from process and machine development, product developments (e.g. hand-laser tools, closed-loop process temperature control, safety and environment management system) is an integral part of the service spectrum.

Besides state-of-the-art laser beam sources working at different wavelengths and in different power ranges, electron beam techniques (up to 25 kW beam power) are being successfully used for the implementation of research and development orders.

The knowledge acquired in many years of experience in the field of material and process technology is available for consulting, for feasibility studies and process testing, up to application processes and industrial facility development and for the development of customerspecific solutions.