Heat Treatment and Thermal Coating

For component geometries, wear cases and materials where conventional hardening and coating technologies fail, laser technologies offer new solutions for creating wear-resistant surfaces. Fraunhofer IWS is a leader in the research and application of laser-based processes such as laser hardening, laser cladding with powder and wire and laser roll cladding. The range of processes also includes laser shock peening, which induces residual compressive stress fields into the surfaces and thus guarantees a long product life.

Our focus in R&D is on achieving the highest surface rates by using laser power in the multi-10 kW range, increasing efficiency and improving quality. We use innovative beam shaping systems and precise temperature field control to enable economical, reproducible industrial processes. For industrial projects, the requirements of our customers are our most important benchmark, while for publicly funded projects, the benefits for society are the focus of our work.

Our Range of Services Includes:

• Development and industrial transfer of laser-based processes with high-power lasers for hardening, heat treatment, roll cladding or build-up welding
• Use of hybrid technologies to optimize process quality and process efficiency, e.g. laser + laser, laser + induction, laser + power source
• Development of system components for process monitoring and control: Temperature measuring devices, thermal field control, special optics with/without dynamic beam shaping
• Development of process heads and customer-specific components for laser cladding with powder and wire.
• Processing of test and prototype samples
• Complete technology transfer: Integration of laser processes into industrial production and on-site support.
• Development of customized surfaces and coatings according to the specific requirements of components.