3D laser cutting makes it possible to cut parts without wear and without applying force – and at high productivity.
In the following phases in the work, lasers can also apply lettering, marks, QR codes and the like. And lasers also serve to subsequently weld parts prepared by thermoforming.
Laser Technology Opens the Way for New Production Processes Even other approaches are offered by the techniques known as laser metal fusion (LMF) and laser metal deposition (LMD). Both processes are based on concepts such as those made familiar by 3D printing and additive manufacturing. They make it possible to produce parts that could not be manufactured at all with conventional processes. Complexity is free. This is true both in regard to their shape and in regard to the properties of the materials, especially since these innovative processes even permit combining differing materials within a single workpiece.
In laser metal fusion (LMF) an extremely fine metallic powder is applied uniformly to a metallic substrate and then melted or fused selectively with laser energy and allowed to harden. When using this process to create a workpiece, the 3D engineering data are “sliced” into individual layers 20 to 100 microns thick. The 2D image of each layer is the basis for the additive build-up of the workpiece. Exact control of the laser makes it possible to fuse each new layer of powder to the layers below – at the desired places and at the required material thickness.
In the case of laser metal deposition (LMD), the laser beam generates a weld pool on a metallic substrate, into which another material such as titanium, nickel, cobalt, tungsten-carbide or steel alloys is introduced as a powder. The powder melts and
10 LIATODAY FOCUS: YEAR END REVIEW NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016
forms a layer which then coalesces with the substrate. LMD even makes it possible to create multi-layer workpieces which, if desired, can comprise several different bonded alloys.
Laser metal deposition (LMD) makes it possible to create multi-layer workpieces which, if need be, may comprise differing alloys which are bonded one with another.
The additive processes described here are already available today and in the coming years may be on par with conventional processes from an economic point of view. They can, by the way, also be used to apply structural reinforcements or additional
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