AdOpt - Flexible Control of High Power Laser Processes through the use of a Deformable Mirror

Such an approach is highly innovative and never attempted before. Deformable mirror systems offer a unique and novel actuation of the spatial power density distribution and opens for completely new ways of controlling the LB-process in real-time. The deformable mirror technology can be seen as a completely new type of actuator, and the system properties need careful investigations.

The research enables greater flexibility for the control of laser beam welding in additive manufacturing. The manufacturing industry may benefit from this since it contributes to a more efficient quality control and a more robust and cost effective process. This is relevant to all manufacturing industries that do welding in metal and metal-based additive manufacturing.

So far, the research activities carried out at the research environment Production Technology West (PTW) have mainly concerned the development of in-process monitoring for quality control with the aim to enable feedback control of LB manufacturing processes. This project offers the possibilities to further advance towards the aim of “full automation”.

If successfully demonstrated, the application of deformable mirror technology to high-power LB will boost the research, education and industrial environment of the Production Technology West (PTW) at University West, as well as the entire KK environment Primus.

The scientific achievements of the project will significantly enhance the international reputation of the PTW research group active in the field of physical modelling, in-process monitoring and automation of LB welding and LB  additive manufacturing processes, leading to numerous publications on highly ranked scientific journals. This will attract new young talented researchers and trigger new collaborations with national and international academic partners. In addition, based on the Adopt project results, it will be possible to make a long-term planning for future proposals for continued basic research and higher verification level projects.