Prometheus project to bridge the existing gap between niche and mainstream applications for high power ultra-short pulse laser surface processing

PORTO SALVO, 4-Apr-2019 — /EPR INDUSTRIAL NEWS/ — Prometheus’ project will bridge the existing gap between niche and mainstream applications for high power ultra-short pulse laser surface processing. This advanced technology enables the production of materials with advanced properties such as non-stick, low wear/friction, oleophobic or hydrophobic, but through this unique project will deliver a broad range of surface functionalities onto metals, polymers and ceramics by way of high throughput, high spatial resolution Direct Laser Interference Patterning (DLIP) surface processing. It is expected to deliver unprecedented surface texturing speeds of up to 5 m2/min and enable high resolution features down to 1 μm to be produced with minimal heat impact on work pieces. This ambitious project represents a pan-European EU consortium of world leading organizations, from industrial and research partners to four manufacturers – Maier, Johnson and Johnson, Fiat Chrysler Automobile group and Arcelik – that will be able to assess the project’s outputs against current industrial processes. Wrapping up the thee-year project, and through breakthrough developments in laser sources, optics, process setup, control and monitoring, the consortium will deliver an integrated laser processing demonstrator system to showcase its capabilities according to the established goals.

Beyond the expected improvement on accuracy, the Prometheus project qualitative objectives include better resources utilization from raw materials to energy and waste. It is also expected a quantum leap on the speed of materials’ processing, as mentioned, by reaching 2-5 m2/min, while also minimizing heat impact on sensitive materials. The project aims to achieve improved flexibility and allow for a simpler product customization – all of this at a fraction of existing solutions’ cost. The case studies being developed include a dishwasher, a tumble dryer, a cylinder piston liner, and high strength aluminium pressing for automotive.

The unique ability of this technology to deliver precise periodic arrays of surface features at an unprecedented processing rate will contribute to its entrance into mainstream manufacturing processes, from its current usage in niche ultra-high value applications. The DLIP (Direct Laser Interference Patterning) technology enables the full utilisation of the high-power laser systems delivering profound productivity gains versus current technologies. Also, by being digital by default, the system enables rapid reconfiguration to deliver customised surface functionalities and patterns on a component by component basis.

Keeping Europe at the core of innovation and environmental leadership

This unique project will bring to light a high potential high power ultra-short pulse laser processing system. Prometheus will address some of the key European 2020 societal challenges, both by ensuring that European companies and research organizations stay at the leading edge of the new
manufacturing technologies and by creating new jobs opportunities. At the same time, the project will minimize environmental impacts.

Prometheus will also contribute to support the goal of increasing investment in innovation up to 3% of the EU’s GDP. The new approaches to surface engineering made possible by this technology will have an impact on the increase in R&D spending, both in photonic component development
necessary to control the increased power densities and in widespread application development.

The exceptionally high processing rate enables cost-effective processing to price-sensitive industrial sectors such as the consortium partners, spanning automotive, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), white goods and consumer durables. The effect will also be felt on the overall value chain, given the expected technology transfer and training across manufacturing sectors, as it becomes mainstream.

SOURCE: EuropaWire

ASI Drives will present its innovative, self-driving, material-handling vehicle FRED2500 at ProMat 2019 in Chicago

MONTGOMERYVILLE, PA, USA, 2-Apr-2019 — /EPR INDUSTRIAL NEWS/ — ASI Drives, a leading manufacturer of custom engineered gear drives since 1985, has announced a major rebranding, the enhancement of towing functionality with its breakout FRED2500 AGV, and an upcoming opportunity to meet FRED in person.

After nearly 35 years, ASI Technologies recently rebranded itself as ASI Drives. The change captures the company’s focus on delivering world-class gear drive solutions to its target markets and providing superior product value for customers.

ASI does not simply design and manufacture battery-powered gear drives for machines up to one ton; ASI Drives solutions, value, and gear technology.

“ASI has developed an industry-leading ability to solve problems and offer value to our customers,” said Doug Fastuca, CEO. “We continue to innovate our gear and motor technologies with AGMA Standards, and with the introduction of our FRED AGV, we’re driving new areas of performance and automation.”

The change further establishes ASI within the AGV and warehouse automation markets, as does the introduction of FRED, ASI’s innovative, self-driving, material-handling vehicle.

FRED is not your typical AGV. It’s simple to set up, productive, flexible, safe, and affordable. And with the addition of new towing capabilities, there are a multiple methods and opportunities to move material around your facility. Using empty dollies, a detachable handle, and a quick-release tongue, FRED can easily move between multiple pickup locations with ease.

If you plan to be in Chicago for ProMat 2019, we hope you’ll stop by to meet FRED2500. You can find it and the rest of the team from ASI Drives in booth #S1061 at McCormick Place.

About ASI Drives

Founded in 1985, ASI Drives is a U.S. manufacturer of custom engineered gear drive solutions to the global medical mobility, floor care, material handling, warehouse automation, and robotics industries. ASI’s relentless focus on innovation in engineering and manufacturing has led to the creation of numerous industry-leading products and solutions, as well as compact and efficient gear drives, brushless motor technology, advanced gear processing, lubrications and now, an AGV. ASI is ISO 9001:2015 certified. Learn more about ASI Drives at asidrives.com

SOURCE: EuropaWire