About

The project runs October 2022 until December 2026. Find out what the project is all about here!

Mission

OPeraTIC will be developing all the technological components required to allow high-power (>200 W), ultra-short-pulsed (< 30ps) lasers, explicitly enabling them to become industrial tools for 3D surface treatment. This will further their advantages including quality, efficiency, emissions (avoidance of chemicals and waste), flexibility, and functionality.

Vision

OPeraTIC will develop a platform that will be particularly useful for a wide range of industrial applications, up to several square meters of treatable surface. The platform will be able to cope with freeform shapes, based on the technological components developed in the project (optics, mechantronics, control and AI). The platform will seamlessly integrate them into a single ultrafast laser-powered machine with unprecedented productivity and capabilities.

Objectives

To achieve this mission and vision, the OPeraTIC project partners have defined four key objectives:

  1. A modular laser system: We will develop all the components to take maximum advantage of high-power ultrafast lasers, explicitly enabling them work together, as plug-and-play elements. This will be achieved as the result of a new machine architecture.
  2. Data driven pipeline: We will enable the real time transmission of critical information within the system for the purpose of allowing for closed loop control.
  3. Zero Defect Manufacturing: Using AI and real time signals, we will enable the reduction of deviations and target a zero defect operation, albeit dealing with complex pieces with dimensional inaccuracies.
  4. Demonstrate the approach: on the basis of four very different and demanding use cases from real industry, we will demonstrate the effectiveness of the results and the benefits compared to competing technologies.

Expected

OPeraTIC’s objectives will generate a number of innovative outcomes:

  • The creation of an advanced laser light generation, transmission and shaping systems: to include a pulse amplifier, optical fibre, and LCOS digital beamshaping system,
  • OPeraTIC will achieve a world first in the I4.0 implementation of a laser micromachining system for large envelopes.
  • The development of a unique robotic manipulator with micron-scale accuracy and resolution, unprecedented dexterity, and several m3 working areas.
  • The creation of a control framework and approaches, which combine real time closed loop response with long-term machine learning algorithms, supported by AI.
  • The development of demonstrators: novel optical effects on automotive interior panels, antiwetting surfaces in polymers, improved paintability in aerospace light components, and extended tool life and performance in sheet metal stamping.

Progress

Recent achievements by the OPeraTIC consortium demonstrate significant progress:

  • All basic components of the system are already at AIMEN for the mounting of the OPeraTIC machine. The 5-axis mechanical system for the OPeraTIC machine will be installed in the first half of the year, followed by the installation of the laser and all the optical system.
  • Optical modules are also nearing completion: the DLIP module from Technische Universität Dresden and the DLW module from QiOVA are almost ready to be integrated. Combined with a non-PM fibre from Photonic Tools, they will allow us to channel the full pulse energy of the EdgeWave USP laser into multibeam and interference-based laser processing.
  • On the digital side, hybrid modelling has made strong progress, supported by enhanced simulation data and a shared experimental dataset. LASEA’s HMI is set to contribute directly to the development of the DSS and our human-centred interface. In parallel, work on zero-defect strategies is advancing through parameter mapping, corrective strategy evaluation, and position-error modelling on a laboratory test rig.

Horizon Europe

OPeraTIC is funded by the European Union through the Horizon Europe programme. This programme supports the development of innovative science, technology, and innovations through a variety of thematic clusters.