Laser-based welding in lightweight construction
Projects Twin-Weld and MULTISPOT overcome the limitations of fixed bifocal optics and develop a welding head with a matrix of 3 × 3 laser diodes that can be individually controlled.
LMB Automation was engaged in two collaborations with research institutions and industry partners to improve laser welding under certain conditions, to overcome the limitations of fixed bifocal optics, and to implement the process on automotive parts.
The laser beam tool has become an integral part of modern production, and the requirement for improved efficiency and new potential applications is continuously growing. With new fields of application, component geometries and materials, the conventional optics with limited movement and limited beam shaping options are often no longer able to guarantee a flawless welding result. Such applications include, for example, the joining of thermoplastics and metal as structural components in vehicle construction, and the welding of hairpins in electric motors. For this reason, the LMB laser specialists have developed two new concepts with partners that can be used to positively influence the melt pool through more flexible control and more precise power distribution. With the twin-weld process, better mixing in the melt pool is achieved so that gaps can be bridged more quickly. Multispot allows the intensity distribution within a laser focus to be varied locally and temporally. The performance can then be precisely adapted to the weld geometry and material properties.
Read the interactive issue in the Adobe Cloud, or download the single-article PDF – Laser-based welding in lightweight construction, PhotonicsViews 22 (D1), April 2025, pp. 35–39
most read
The Rise of Photonic and Neuromorphic Computing: A New Era for AI Hardware
Computer Architectures for future data processing
Active Alignment in Assembly and Connection Technology
Reliable manufacturing processes are essential for the assembly and connection technology of photonics systems. Common coupling methods of Active Alignment during assembly are described here.
Weld Seam Inspection Through Optical Coherence Tomography
A stand-alone OCT-based sensor system enables precise, continuous seam inspection in GMA welding, reducing the effort required for downstream quality checks.
Gas Phase Plasma Transfer in Analysis of Metal Microparticles
Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy enables the analysis of the thermochemical oxidation of iron particles by measuring the oxygen-to-iron ratio. But laser pulse length affects the surrounding gas phase.
Protective Windows: Finding a Germanium Alternative for LWIR Imaging
In this interview, Mike Giznik, President of Midopt, explains why Silwir is a good choice for applications such as industrial inspection, defense, and autonomous systems.