STELA - Izertis

STELA

the laser that drives industrial efficiency

Laser technology is a cross-cutting technology with unprecedented precision and flexibility, with applications ranging from microchip manufacturing to the surface modification of large metal structures. While it enables fast, low-cost, flexible and sustainable manufacturing, laser technology also supports industrial digitalisation, thanks to its ability to be controlled, monitored and integrated into complete production processes. This project responds to the current trend towards the development of equipment that combines the advantages of laser manufacturing with those of Industry 4.0, understood as the sensing and monitoring of production assets, the processing of large volumes of data and the use of artificial intelligence for decision-making, thereby giving rise to zero-defect, flexible and sustainable processes.

Challenges

Development of a laser source and its integration into an intelligent manufacturing system for the microprocessing of different materials

Monitoring of variables linked to the status of the manufacturing process and the system to ensure quality, repeatability and reliability

Development of AI-based predictive models capable of assessing and quantifying the quality of microprocessed surfaces in the three defined application scenarios

Solution

An intelligent manufacturing system for processing materials at sub-millimetre scale (microprocessing) using laser technology as the manufacturing tool, comprising research and development of a monitored fibre laser source specially designed for microprocessing, a monitoring system integrated into the optical head that guides the laser beam, and software that enables process control, modelling and decision-making, as well as validation in three relevant applications in high-impact industrial sectors (automotive, water treatment and food).