Imagine a Swiss Army knife for industrial lasers that can cut, drill, and polish all with one tool. Instead of using harsh chemicals or multiple machines, it uses a digital brain to shape the light beam perfectly for every single part. It can even 'see' a worn-out tool and fix it, like a digital eraser and pencil combined.
Traditional micromachining relies on expensive, multi-stage process chains that use hazardous chemicals and generate significant waste. Additionally, worn-out high-value tools are often discarded because there is no agile way to repair them precisely.
A digital USP laser platform combining two cascaded spatial light modulators (SLM) and a galvo scanner. It includes 3D scanning and machine learning for real-time process control.
If you are a manufacturer dealing with complex metal parts like shaving heads that require precise 90-degree angles — this project developed a digital beam-shaping laser platform that replaces multiple chemical-heavy process chains. This ensures high precision and reduces environmental waste.
If you are a producer dealing with large area embossing rollers that wear out over time — this project developed a laser system capable of re-writing old rollers. This allows for the refurbishment of expensive equipment instead of costly replacements.
If you are a company dealing with very hard carbide parts that are difficult to machine or repair — this project developed an agile USP laser platform. It enables the refurbishment of worn parts, supporting a circular economy for high-value tooling.
Based on available project data, costs are reduced by replacing multiple conventional process chains with a single agile platform and eliminating the need for waste chemicals.
Yes, the module is designed to be compatible with standard industrial lines (2-, 3- or 5-axis, rotating, and roll-to-roll) and can be scaled up via parallel processing with multiple modules.
Based on available project data, a detailed plan for exploitation is in place, though specific licensing terms are not disclosed in the summary.
The system is designed as an all-in-one module that fits into standard industrial production lines and uses edge devices for real-time signal processing.
The project period runs from 2022-09-01 to 2027-02-28, indicating it is currently in the development and testing phase.
The consortium is heavily industry-driven with a 58% industry ratio, comprising 12 partners across 7 European countries. With 7 industrial partners (including 4 SMEs) and 5 research/academic entities, the project is strongly geared toward commercial application rather than pure theory, focusing on real-world use cases from companies like Philips and Cerat.
Contact Fraunhofer Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Angewandten Forschung EV
Contact us to explore licensing opportunities for digital beam shaping technology.
