Multifunctional laser processing with a digital twin

Procedia CIRP, vol. 111, pp. 822–826

Abstract

Multifunctional laser technology integrates different laser processes in one manufacturing cell to meet the demand for agile production technology. A processing head was developed and put into operation mastering cutting, joining and additive manufacturing steps without tool change. Parallel development of a digital twin of the entire system aims at the acceleration and optimization of the engineering of the robot cell up to its virtual commissioning. This approach enabled the first realization of a multifunctional laser robot cell and its digital twin. Virtual commissioning accelerated the design and optimization of mechanics and control as well as the programming of the production cell. The multifunctional approach saves numerous single production steps and, hence, leads to a significant shortening of manufacturing lines utilizing the full flexibility of the tool laser beam. Virtualization enables accelerated commissioning of the entire system, significantly reduced susceptibility to errors in production preparation and more efficient production planning.

Authors 6

1. Daniel Barnowski
   Affiliation as printed

   CAE Innovative Engineering GmbH, Vorhelmer Straße 81, 59269 Beckum, Germany

2. Martin Dahmen corresponding Aachen Fraunhofer-Institut für Lasertechnik

   Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   Fraunhofer-Institut für Lasertechnik, Steinbachstraße 15, 52074 Aachen, Germany

3. Dirk Petring Aachen Fraunhofer-Institut für Lasertechnik

   Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   Fraunhofer-Institut für Lasertechnik, Steinbachstraße 15, 52074 Aachen, Germany

4. Ulrich Petschke
   Affiliation as printed

   Laser-Bearbeitungs- und Beratungszentrum NRW GmbH, Geileinkirchen, Germany

5. Marcel Pootz
   Affiliation as printed

   Bergmann & Steffen GmbH, Raiffeisenstraße 176, 32139 Spenge, Germany

6. Ralf Schäl
   Affiliation as printed

   Bergmann & Steffen GmbH, Raiffeisenstraße 176, 32139 Spenge, Germany