Under the title ‘Science and Industry in Harmony: The Future of Laser Technology’, four doctoral and master's students from Professor Stefan Hierl's Laser Material Processing Laboratory at the Parsberg-Lupburg Technology Campus attended an event organised by IPG Laser in Burbach. The event provided a platform for dialogue between scientists and industry representatives in the field of laser technology.
IPG Laser is a leading manufacturer of high-performance fibre lasers that are used in industrial production, e.g. for welding, cutting or 3D printing. IPG Laser, which employs around 4,000 people worldwide, is characterised by a very high level of vertical integration, from the semiconductor plant and pump diode production to the production of glass fibres and complete welding or cutting systems.
The event included specialist presentations on the topics of ‘Laser technology made in Germany’, ‘Process development with fibre laser technology’ and ‘Complete fibre laser solutions’. There was also a guided tour of the application laboratory, where innovative laser systems were presented.
The application of laser technology in medical technology was particularly exciting, especially in the production of stents. Fibre lasers can be used to create ultra-fine cuts in biocompatible materials such as 316 stainless steel or poly-L-lactide. This technology makes it possible to produce filigree and highly stable stent structures that are inserted into constricted blood vessels to ensure blood flow. Thanks to a sophisticated cutting technique, it is possible to adjust the stiffness of the stent locally and depending on the direction.
A key topic was the transfer of knowledge between science and industry. Opportunities for co-operation and research approaches for future projects were discussed in open discussion rounds. Overall, the visit to IPG Laser was a valuable opportunity to learn about the latest innovations and to further strengthen the collaboration between academic research and industry.
