Development and Optimisation of Laser-Based Additive, Subtractive and Transformative Platforms for the Tooling Industry

The goal of the project is laser processing of hard tool materials to improve their functionality and lifetime. These are mostly forge and forming tools which are already pushing the limits of their physical possibilities and where current manufacturing technologies fall behind. Processing these materials using the unique technology of laser shock peening can prolong the lifetime of critical components more than 100%. Using additional laser technologies such as surface texturing can improve sliding characteristics preventing the the tool from grinding and can change the heat transfer ratios which will in turn lead to process improvement or longer lifetime. All proposed technologies have already been tested in laboratory conditions while the project targets their industrial applications.