Laboratory for Materials Science, Laser and Joining Technology

The Laboratory for Materials Science, Laser and Joining Technology is dedicated to the application areas of industrial laser material processing, materials science, and joining technology. The combination of these fields not only enables the processes to be carried out but also allows for the rapid qualification of the results. "What is the strength of the weld?" or "How hardened is the material after processing?" are just a few of the questions that need to be answered to produce high-quality products. Industrial laser material processing: Laser beams offer the unique combination of high intensity, a consistent spectrum, and sharp focusing into a defined beam. This makes it possible to impart very precise energy to materials and serves as a prerequisite for further processing with various application methods. The multitude of available systems allows these specific properties to be used in diverse fields of application. The comparatively technologically demanding task of generating laser beams has receded into the background as an obstacle to application in recent years. Decreasing costs in acquisition and operation are a sign of the widespread use of these systems in industry. Industrial laser material processing at the Emden/Leer University of Applied Sciences is divided into the areas of joining, cutting, and surface treatment. Laser material processing investigates and develops process parameters for industrial applications in mechanical engineering and related sectors. A particular focus is the development of regenerative manufacturing and repair of (large) components. The materials science laboratory supports the qualification of the results. The laser cell is a significant addition to the laser technology equipment. It now enables the laboratory to perform dynamic three-dimensional processing without reclamping workpieces. This is achieved using a KUKA KR 30-3 robot with high payload capacity and high repeatability. The system is complemented by a rotary and tilting table that allows movement around two additional axes. Offline programming and simulation of the robot are performed using the RoboDK software. This allows movements and program sequences for component manufacturing to be tested in advance. The high-performance hybrid laser can be operated as either a 4kW diode laser or a 2.4kW fiber laser with excellent beam quality (https://www.laserline.com/de-int/ldf-serie-mit-strahlkonverter/). The laser system is equipped with two beam outputs, allowing the two process units (joining and cutting) to be positioned on the robot using a quick-change system. Various welding processes, with and without filler material, are possible and are complemented by temperature monitoring for process control. Materials Testing and Failure Analysis: In the materials science laboratory, the properties and behavior of various materials under different stresses are analyzed. Among other things, material samples are tested and evaluated for their mechanical properties. Failure analyses can also be performed. The Materials Science Laboratory has, among other things, the following materials testing equipment: • MFL tensile testing machine up to 100 kN (modernized with Zwick control) • Instron tensile testing machine up to 30 kN • 300 J Charpy impact hammer (MFL) with modernized digital data acquisition (Schütz and Licht) • Hardness tests according to: Brinell, Rockwell, Vickers (INNOVATEST Falcon 500), Shore A and D (for plastics), mobile hardness test according to Leeb. For analysis, microscopes and non-imaging methods are available, among others: • Zeiss stereo microscope (1000x magnification) • Leica DMS1000 digital incident light microscope (34-565x magnification) with LasX measurement software • Mahr MaPS10 surf roughness tester • Ultrasonic testing device (Karl Deutsch - Echograph 1095) • Chemical composition analysis spectrometer (Hitachi - Foundry Master Smart). Joining Technology: Joining technology deals with the Our laboratory investigates industrial joining processes using melt metallurgy and determines optimal process parameters for robust welding processes for various joining geometries. Within the broad field of joining technology, we focus on arc welding and laser welding. With appropriate upgrades to our existing systems, we can also perform hybrid welding processes. We have a gantry welding system and a robotic system available for testing various MIG/MAG/TIG and laser welding processes (heat conduction and deep penetration welding). The set manufacturing parameters are monitored and securely recorded in accordance with Industry 4.0 principles. Potential changes in material properties at the weld seam can be investigated using our materials science equipment. In addition to classic materials science analysis, our laboratory also offers the capability to examine process behavior and weld pool dynamics. For this purpose, we have a high-speed camera capable of capturing up to 10,000 frames per second. The following welding machines are available: • MIG/MAG: Cloos - Qineo Tronic Pulse 350 (rated current 40-350 A) • TIG: Cloos, Qineo - GLW302 • Laser: Laserline – LDF-Hybrid 4kW Laser welding of metals and plastics is carried out in conjunction with our industrial laser material processing equipment. If you would like to use our equipment for your company, please feel free to contact us – either by email (wtt@hs-emden-leer.de) or via the chat function on this platform (top right). We look forward to hearing from you!