Cutting and Joining

The experienced scientists and engineers of the technology field Cutting and Joining are researching a wide sector of lasers material processing. Laboratories extensively equipped with the latest laser sources and systems technology provide the necessary facilities. The focus is on joining, ablation and cutting processes as well as surface and material modifications. New complex processes are also being developed, for example for electromobility, lightweight construction or the hydrogen economy. The simulation and design supports and completes the experimental work in a holistic approach from the laser process to the component.

The linking element between process, simulation, material and laser is the development of systems engineering solutions, which focus on the optimization of various sub-steps within the value chain. Already today, the technology field is intensively dedicated to the trend of controlled processes and Deep Learning applications in industry in order to open up the enormous automation potential of laser processes.

Research Topics

Contact

Andreas Wetzig

Contact Press / Media

Dr.-Ing. Andreas Wetzig

Technology Field Manager Cutting and Joining
Division Manager Laser Precision Processing

Phone +49 351 83391-3229

Axel Jahn

Contact Press / Media

Dr.-Ing. Axel Jahn

Division Manager Joining

Phone +49 351 83391-3237

Jan Hauptmann

Contact Press / Media

Dr.-Ing. Jan Hauptmann

Division Manager Ablation and Cutting

Phone +49 351 83391-3236

Markus Wagner

Contact Press / Media

Dr.-Ing. Markus Wagner

Group Manager Design and Special Processes

Phone +49 351 83391-3536

Centers and Networks

 

Center for Advanced Micro-Photonics (CAMP)

Laser-based surface modification and patterning methods

 

PULSATE

Fostering the PAN-European infrastructure for empowering SMEs digital competences in laser-based advance and additive manufacturing

Projects

AI-BEAM

AI-assisted laser material processing using fast compact piezo-driven 3D beam shaping and new laser sources, Timeframe: 07/2022–06/2025 (Fraunhofer)

ALBATROSS

Advanced light-weight battery systems optimized for fast charging, safety, and second-life applications, Timeframe: 01/2021–12/2024 (European Union Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Program, FKZ: 963580)

 

MM4R

Recyclable multi-material design for lightweight structures, Timeframe: 12/2021–12/2024 (BMWi, FKZ: 03LB3026J)

CBC-GREEN

Development of an efficient, novel beam source for laser materials processing of copper, Timeframe: 07/2021–06/2024 (First joint EUREKA and Photonics21 Mirror Group Call)

FlexHy

Efficient and fuel-flexible internal combustion engines based on innovative materials, layer systems and hybrid designs, Timeframe: 03/2021–02/2024 (BMWi, FKZ: 19I21003G)

BioTPMS

TPMS-based additively manufactured titanium bone implants with bioadaptive bone tissue structure, Timeframe: 09/2021–08/2022 (BMBF, FKZ: 13XP5144 )

CAPS

Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Advanced Photon Sources: New generation of ultrashort pulsed lasers and their application (Fraunhofer)

PROMETHEUS

Pulsed Rapid ultra-short laser surface texturing for Manufacture of flexible and customised products, Timeframe: 01/2019–12/2022 (European Union Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Program, FKZ: 825503)

News and Media

 

Press Release / 30.8.2023

Laser Cutting Under Water

Fraunhofer IWS Seeks New Solution to Process Metals Even Below the Sea Surface

 

Press release / 30.3.2023

Visiting Scientist from Kiev at Fraunhofer IWS Thanks to Future Foundation

 

Presseinformation / 21.9.2022

Sandblasting with Light

Fraunhofer IWS has developed a laser technology to clean and structure surfaces particularly quickly as well as in an environmentally friendly manner.

 

Press release / 16.3.2022

Joining with solid-state lasers set to revolutionize steel construction

Fraunhofer at the Hannover Messe: Preview 2022