LAB12 - MoNA

Multi-axis laser processing plays a significant role in the automotive industry, as it enables the manufacturing of complex and high-quality components. A good example of this is the welding of car body components. However, the combination of galvanometer scanners and conventional axis systems poses a great challenge. This is because the high-frequency laser systems and the conventional axis systems must be controlled in a synchronized manner to achieve the desired results. Currently, this cannot be implemented satisfactorily due to the industrial control architectures used.

Aim and Approach

The aim of the project is to develop an innovative modular and multi-axis machine tool. The machine tool consists of a multi-axis kinematics system with conventional axes on the one hand and flexibly interchangeable process modules on the other. One of these process modules is equipped with a dynamic 3D galvanometer scanner. By using the open control platform for laser systems developed at ISW, all components can be controlled synchronously and used for processing complex components. In addition, the machine tool is to be extended with interfaces (especially OPC UA and administration shell) to integrate the systems into a convergent IT-OT infrastructure. As a result, the data generated during the machining process can be made available in a data space (Gaia-X4ICM) and utilised for the implementation of intelligent control strategies. In particular, the use of machine learning methods plays a decisive role in making the complex laser process controllable.