Laser roughening aids efficient engine production

Nov. 13, 2019
A newly developed internal laser processing head can be used in laser roughening to prepare the inner surfaces of an aluminum engine block cylinder.

Aluminum engine blocks are significantly lighter than their conventional cast-iron predecessors. To make them durable, the cylinder surfaces must be lined with a wear-resistant coating. The internal processing laser head (IBK) developed at Laser Zentrum Hannover (LZH; Hannover, Germany) can be used to prepare the inner surfaces of the cylinder. The IBK processing head is already used in series production and the new-generation R7 has now been delivered.

The IBK R7, developed in close cooperation with the customer, features sensor technology for monitoring the process. Monitoring is fully integrated and the system is much easier to use than its predecessors. In addition, the laser beam radiation path has been optimized to pre-vent soiling.

The IBK consists of a spindle with a rotating beam-deflection element attached to its end. During the processing, a focused laser beam emerges from the end. The spindle lowers into the bore and the end of the spindle rotates together with the deflection element. In this way, trench-like structures are introduced into the surface to be roughened. A special cleaning step after roughening and before coating, such as after corundum blasting, is not necessary. Since the IBK works virtually wear-free, laser roughening is superior to conventional machining processes.

For more information, please visit lzh.de.

Source: LZH press release

Got laser processing-related news to share with us? Contact David Belforte, Editor in Chief, Industrial Laser Solutions

Get even more news like this delivered right to your inbox

Sponsored Recommendations

Brain Computer Interface (BCI) electrode manufacturing

Jan. 31, 2025
Learn how an industry-leading Brain Computer Interface Electrode (BCI) manufacturer used precision laser micromachining to produce high-density neural microelectrode arrays.

Electro-Optic Sensor and System Performance Verification with Motion Systems

Jan. 31, 2025
To learn how to use motion control equipment for electro-optic sensor testing, click here to read our whitepaper!

How nanopositioning helped achieve fusion ignition

Jan. 31, 2025
In December 2022, the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's National Ignition Facility (NIF) achieved fusion ignition. Learn how Aerotech nanopositioning contributed to this...

Nanometer Scale Industrial Automation for Optical Device Manufacturing

Jan. 31, 2025
In optical device manufacturing, choosing automation technologies at the R&D level that are also suitable for production environments is critical to bringing new devices to market...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Laser Focus World, create an account today!