Materials Processing

Automated Fiber Placement

As manufacturers turn to laser systems for materials processing, each application represents unique demands. One such application is composite joining, for which Leonardo has used free-space direct diodes that offer customizable beam shaping.

Heating Sources & Food Packaging

In wide-ranging materials processing applications, manufacturers turn to laser systems to replace IR heaters, gas flames, and hot air blowers for their energy efficiency and precision. In food manufacturing, laser diodes are used for seam welding and shrink wrapping.

Additive Manufacturing

3D printing has garnered increasing attention over the past decade - initially only with plastics. Still, the promise of designing a part and printing it has spurred on many minds, and metal 3D printing is becoming part of the standard set of processes available to designers. However, the use is still relegated to the realm of special parts or prototype parts. New techniques and tools are getting ready to challenge this status quo and venture into metal additive manufacturing with high resolution and high speed. Direct diode lasers are playing a critical part in developing this advantage and keeping up with the increasing demand.

Thermal Annealing 

In the semiconductor industry as well as other manufacturing segments, annealing processes are often crucial to change material properties or relieve any stresses that build up in parts. These processes can be performed with either conventional ovens or other more targeted heating mechanisms, but it is rarely possible to be as targeted and efficient as with a diode laser beam. Homogeneities in the high 90% regime are easily possible, and the definition of the laser beam limits the heating to very well-defined areas providing process and cost advantages.