Processing cell INTAKT: economical automation for laser materials processing, also for small series

It enables a comprehensive automation of the process chain including all assembly and production steps and is particularly appropriate for small series. In addition, the institute is also presenting the compact welding station TWISTER for the welding of plastics.

At Stand 145 in Hall B3 of this year's Productronica (November 10 – 13, 2009, Messe München), the Fraunhofer ILT is presenting a flexible assembly cell with an automated laser joining process: the innovative INTAKT production cell. This unit enables automated laser beam welding through modular construction; when manually loaded or unloaded, it automatically links further testing and assembly processes together. The cell's process modules can be reconfigured quickly, its clamping technology is extremely flexible, and innovative image processing has been integrated to reduce the mount construction – all paramount for INTAKT. Indeed, the cell can process in cycle times of up to one second per component. Thanks to the extensive automation of assembly and production processes, the cell can also permit small series production that is reproducable and competitively priced. Large series processes can be qualified with the innovative assembly cell under conditions close to those of production. The INTAKT processing cell will be used in precision, structural design, and electrical engineering.

A further highlight at Productronica is the compact welding station TWIST. With the TWIST® process, Aachen's researchers have developed and qualified a novel, compact and industry-ready plant concept to laser weld plastics. In contrast to conventional joining procedures, this new process is characterized by its higher process speed and flexibility when forming welding contours. In particular, it is suitable for small and medium series – those which need quick retooling. An important area of application is microfluidics and medical technology, e.g. for processing microtiter plates and medical single-use products.

In addition, visitors will be able to gather information about laser-beam based processes for microstructuring, surface functionality as well as microcladding.

Contact Partners at Fraunhofer ILT
Our experts would be glad to answer any questions you may have:
Dr.-Ing. Alexander Olowinsky
Department of Micro Technology
Telephone +49 241 8906-491
alexander.olowinsky@ilt.fraunhofer.de
Dipl.-Ing. Jens Gedicke
Department of Micro Technology
Telephone +49 241 8906-145
jens.gedicke@ilt.fraunhofer.de
Dr. Arnold Gillner
Head of Department of Micro Technology
Telephone +49 241 8906-148
arnold.gillner@ilt.fraunhofer.de
Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT
Steinbachstraße 15
52074 Aachen
Germany
Tel. +49 241 8906-0
Fax. +49 241 8906-121