East Granby, Conn. – Joining Technologies has launched a new laser additive manufacturing division and entered into a formal cooperation agreement with laser development and contract research institute Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT).
As part of the Joining Technology Research Center, Fraunhofer ILT will be providing laser additive manufacturing research and development services, as well as system design and integration and accessory sales, including nozzles and cladding heads, all from a new facility in East Granby.
"Our partnership with Fraunhofer ILT will provide numerous benefits to customers," said Scott Poeppel, Joining Technologies' manager of additive processes. "Combining the precision and reliability of Joining Technologies' laser cladding processes with ILT's cutting edge laser additive research and development capabilities offers customers enhanced information on using laser additive manufacturing for repair or restoration in aerospace, power generation, valve, and OEM-supplied component applications."
Tailor-made laser additive manufacturing solutions are being developed for direct photonic production from CAD data to a part made from serial materials; maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of high value components; and wear and corrosion protection.
Dr. Ingo Kelbassa, vice and academic director of LLT, RWTH Aachen University and head of the RWTH LLT department at Fraunhofer ILT, expects the JTRC partnership will offer a range of services from feasibility studies via process development, validation and certification, to systems engineering and system integration of a final industrial implementation at a customer’s site.
"By using such process-specific advantages as nearly unrestricted geometrical freedom, material freedom and achievable thermo-mechanical properties of the parts built-up, it is possible to manufacture parts designed specifically for their function,” said Kelbassa. “Laser additive manufacturing can therefore be considered as the key enabler for the green manufacturing of new and future generation parts.”
Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology is an internationally known laser development and contract research institute with more than 250 employees and 10,000m² of usable floor space, fitted out with the latest technical and scientific infrastructure and equipment. It focuses on the development of new laser beam sources and components, the use of modern laser measurement and testing technology, and laser-supported manufacturing. It is also working in the area of laser plant technology and process control.
Joining Technologies is involved in precision fusion processes, including laser and electron beam welding, laser additive manufacturing, and weld system design and integration. The company’s engineering talent continues to develop economical solutions for joining metal components primarily in the medical device, sensors, aerospace, military, energy, and firearms industries. For more information, email [email protected].