The research area laser assisted metal processing covers various tasks in the micro and macro sphere. This includes for example different micro joining processes for bonding electronic and mechatronic components such as laser micro soldering or welding and Laser Droplet Welding.

 

Current research and development tasks concern the generation of substance-to-substance bonds of dissimilar materials for electronics production for instance. One example is the welding of copper and aluminium – by choosing selective coatings it is possible to generate a stable welded joint. The application of laser technology for the rework of electronic circuit boards is another current research activity. At the moment a system is being developed for a repair soldering process with a high level of automation. A processing head which has been designed especially for Laser Droplet Welding now permits the industrial application of this process. It is particularly qualified for welding materials with strongly differing dimensions or unequal thermal characteristics.

 

In the area of macro processing the Bavarian Laser Centre is mostly working on laser welding and cutting. One topic that is currently examined for example is the development of controls and regulations for welding coated or contaminated sheet steel with zero gap. This ensures a high process stability and significantly improves the quality of processing. Cutting and welding of high-strength and temperable materials is currently investigated with regard to a selective microstructure adjustment for application with defined weld seam and cut edge characteristics.