Photonics 4.0 brings new dimensions to industrial production

Light is the most important tool in the 21^st century. In semiconductor factories UV lasers and high-performance optics are ensuring increasingly more efficient and cheaper microprocessors. The broadband Internet would be inconceivable without optical data transmission. Cost-efficient miniaturisation is only feasible with accurate measuring and inspection systems. The three cornerstones of Industry 4.0 are thus defined as inexpensive processors, efficient data networks and precise process monitoring. At its core, Industry 4.0 is therefore Photonics 4.0.

From digitally controlled laser processes...
However, photonics is not only the basis of networked production, it is also the driving force to an increasing extent. In particular, precisely applied and digitally controlled laser technology is now absolutely essential. Lasers drill, cut, solder, weld and perforate. They harden steel and process metals, plastics, glass, diamonds, wood and ceramics and many other materials with extreme precision.

The concentrated light works without contact. It therefore does not introduce any mechanical forces into the processes and, conversely, is not affected by wear and tear. Other advantages of laser technology include its high degree of flexibility and speed. However, the greatest potential for digital production is cold material processing using ultrashort laser pulses.

... to digital production
Modern ultrashort pulse lasers have frequencies up to the megahertz range together with high pulse energies. Metals and many other materials can therefore almost be removed atom by atom. Heat influx into the workpiece is minimal. Unwanted melts and material splatters no longer occur. Translated to the digital production world of Industry 4.0, this means the following: Material processing pixel by pixel. Simulations and digital design match real processes more precisely than ever before. “We talk about digital processing because lasers carry out previously simulated processing exactly in digital process chains,” said Prof. Andreas Ostendorf, the long-standing President of the Scientific Association for Laser Technology (WLT), recently in the LASER World of PHOTONICS Newsletter.

Entirely new paths to three-dimensional processing
A second photonics mega trend is also leading directly to digital production. Additive manufacturing; i.e. tool-free application and removal of metal or plastic components using 3D printing and laser deposit welding processes. Lasers translate digital design data into real components in this case.

A large number of players from this young technology sector will present a wide range of processes during LASER World of Photonics 2017 in Munich from 26^th-29^th June 2017: Miniaturised metal printing, micro processes for additive processing of glass and other transparent materials, manufacturing of 3D micro and nano structures made of photosensitive materials or laser melting processes for steel, cobalt-chromium and precious metals such as gold and silver. During the trade fair manufacturers and solution providers will present their latest innovations. The Application Panels Laser and Optics in Hall B3 and Industrial Laser Applications (Hall A3), as well as the Lasers in Manufacturing Conference LiM 2017 during the WORLD of PHOTONICS Congress will also focus on light as a production factor, as well as the 340 exhibitors who have their focus on this topic.