Laser texturing before thermal spraying - LaTex

Purpose and goal:

The project LaTex tackles the challenge area ”Resource-efficient production” by focusing on the surface preparation processes before thermal spraying. LaTex proposes the substitution of the traditional multi-step grit-blasting process by a one-step automated laser texturing. The overall goal of the project is to demonstrate the effectiveness and benefits of laser texturing before thermal spraying in industrial environments.

Expected results and effects: The expected effects are many-fold, some of which are:

- Laser texturing gives defined surface roughness with a defined topography, can be used for a larger pool of materials and geometries, allowing broader use of thermal spraying

- Improved resource use: no need for cleaning chemicals, fresh water, grit medium and subsequent disposal, comparatively low use of electrical energy - Better work environment: removal of noise and vibrations, reduction of dispersed particles - Long term: implementation of compact production units to be used in a versatile manner for a resilient production

Approach and implementation:

The consortium includes a research institute, a university and the necessary partners in the value chain dealing with different materials and products. Main activities: Texture design: how to choose the treatment parameters for each case (substrate, coating)? Demonstrators of real components: how to go from lab scale to production line?

Case for industrialization: what are the expected qualitative and quantitative benefits?

Sharing the findings: general conclusions and guidelines will be shared as research publications, course material and industrial workshops.