FOCUS – Flexible and robot-based surface structuring of 3D free-form geometries using position-regulated USP fiber guidance

Project start: July 2019

Project end: June 2022

The aim of the FOCUS project is the development of a novel flexible laser processing center based on a commercial 6-axis-robot, an innovative sensor-based position detection and position control as well as a high power ultrashort pulse (USP) laser.

Six project partners, EdgeWave, Fraunhofer ILT, Eschmann Textures, Module Works, KULA and the IRT want to enable both the large-scale structuring of tool surfaces and SMEs to gain access to this market through cost effective machine technology.

The usual inaccuracy of 6-axis robots is compensated by the use of a 3D laser scanner and sensor-based position measurements with a corresponding control concept. To enable material-independent machining processes with possible structure sizes of a few microns a high power USP laser is used. For the first time, the USP laser is coupled into the machining head using an innovative fiber guide that allows peak energies of more than 0.5 mJ.

 

This project is funded by the European Union and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.