light! 004 | The car of the future
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<strong>light</strong>!<br />
by secpho<br />
THE CAR<br />
OF THE FUTURE<br />
ECOLOGICAL<br />
CONNECTED<br />
AUTONOMOUS<br />
SMART<br />
SHARED<br />
COMFORTABLE<br />
SAFE<br />
FLYING<br />
#<strong>004</strong> · 2019 · €11.50
LIGHT! <strong>004</strong> | <strong>The</strong> vehicle <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong><br />
©2019 secpho<br />
Publishing<br />
secpho<br />
C/Milà i Fontanals, 14<br />
08012 Barcelona<br />
Tel.: +34 937 833 664 - +34 937 830 254<br />
www.secpho.org<br />
info@secpho.org<br />
Twitter: @SECPhO<br />
Instagram: @secpho_cluster<br />
Director<br />
Sergio Sáez<br />
Chief Editor<br />
Rosa M. Sánchez<br />
Art direction<br />
Carla Barceló<br />
Communication and advertising<br />
Andrea Sevilla<br />
Contents<br />
Volkswagen Navarre<br />
Nissan<br />
Álex Turpin · secpho<br />
Mikel Gómez · CEIT-IK4<br />
Creu Ibáñez · KDPOF<br />
Michele Manca · LEITAT<br />
Demetrio López · Alter Technology<br />
Rodrigo Linares · NIT<br />
Antonio Sánchez · ASORCAD<br />
Javier Bezares · BCB<br />
Ambroise Vandewynckèle, Patricia Blanco · AIMEN<br />
Mikel Bengoa · COHERENT | ROFIN<br />
Víctor Blanco · LASER 2000<br />
Marta Ávila · ALBA Synchrotron<br />
Translation<br />
Welocalize Life Sciences<br />
Dept. <strong>of</strong> Administration<br />
Mar Fernández<br />
Printer<br />
Novoprint<br />
Printed in Spain, June 2019<br />
Legal deposit: B-16984-2019<br />
ISSN 2604-9910 (digital edition)<br />
2 <strong>light</strong>! by secpho
Editorial<br />
We have dreamed up <strong>the</strong> vehicle <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong> drawing on suggestions<br />
from both <strong>the</strong> small and large screen. In <strong>the</strong> 80s, we were excited to see<br />
how Michael Knight, star <strong>of</strong> Knight Rider, fought injustice by driving a<br />
high-tech <strong>car</strong>, <strong>the</strong> so-called KITT (Knight Industries Two Thousand), whose<br />
artificial intelligence made this autonomous vehicle <strong>the</strong> ideal co-pilot.<br />
<strong>The</strong> batmobile also attracted our attention with aerodynamics that imitated<br />
nature (a bat) and enhanced its tremendous speeds. Nature was<br />
also <strong>the</strong> inspiration for <strong>the</strong> gull-wing doors <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> DeLorean DMC-12;<br />
however, it wasn’t its design that fascinated us in Back to <strong>the</strong> Future, but<br />
its function as a time machine capable <strong>of</strong> disappearing in a shower <strong>of</strong><br />
sparks and reappearing amidst blue flashes.<br />
Science fiction has shaped our collective imagination, so that <strong>the</strong> real<br />
revolution <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> automotive industry seems to us to be represented by<br />
flying vehicles traveling through our city skies. And although <strong>the</strong> necessary<br />
technology already exists, regulation is <strong>the</strong> great obstacle for this<br />
innovation to be implemented; <strong>the</strong>refore <strong>the</strong> near <strong>future</strong> <strong>of</strong> this industry<br />
is aimed at providing efficient electric, autonomous and permanently<br />
connected <strong>car</strong>s.<br />
Whe<strong>the</strong>r it parks or lands, <strong>the</strong> vehicle <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong> is intrinsically linked<br />
to photonics. So <strong>the</strong> development strategies <strong>of</strong> automotive companies<br />
now involve <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> increasingly advanced sensors that aid autonomous<br />
driving, sophisticated laser systems and vision cameras that improve<br />
production and highly evolved communication systems that constantly<br />
connect traffic and infrastructure, among o<strong>the</strong>r innovative <strong>light</strong><br />
technologies.<br />
This new edition <strong>of</strong> <strong>light</strong>! will drive you to <strong>the</strong> door <strong>of</strong> Spain’s leading<br />
experts in photonics applied to <strong>the</strong> automotive industry. Let <strong>the</strong>m steer<br />
you in <strong>the</strong> right direction.<br />
<strong>light</strong>! by secpho 3
Contents<br />
06<br />
OVERVIEW<br />
VOLKSWAGEN NAVARRE: Volkswagen Navarre<br />
is opting for <strong>the</strong> latest developments in<br />
machine vision.<br />
34<br />
SOLUTIONS FOR<br />
MANUFACTURING<br />
NIT: I3LASWELD ensures excellence in laser<br />
welding.<br />
08<br />
NISSAN: Nissan opens its innovation ecosystem<br />
to cooperate with all technological talent.<br />
36<br />
ASORCAD:<br />
portable.<br />
Smart manufacturing becomes<br />
10<br />
SECPHO: Photonic technologies drive <strong>the</strong> automotive<br />
industry towards a bright <strong>future</strong>.<br />
39<br />
BCB: Leading solutions in <strong>the</strong>rmography, at<br />
<strong>the</strong> service <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Automotive Industry.<br />
18<br />
21<br />
24<br />
27<br />
DRIVING SUPPORT<br />
CEIT: Ultra-short pulse lasers for automotive<br />
applications.<br />
KDPOF: Japanese <strong>car</strong>s surrender to Spanish<br />
plastic optical fibre communication systems.<br />
LEITAT: Smart glass that adapts to solar intensity.<br />
ALTER TECHNOLOGY: Automotive electronic<br />
components: <strong>the</strong> solution in New Space?<br />
43<br />
46<br />
51<br />
54<br />
AIMEN: Developments demanded by <strong>the</strong> automotive<br />
industry.<br />
COHERENT | ROFIN: Innovative laser technology<br />
in electric <strong>car</strong> manufacturing.<br />
LASER 2000: High-power blue lasers, disruptive<br />
technology for <strong>the</strong> manufacture <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
vehicle <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong>.<br />
ALBA: <strong>The</strong> role <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Alba Synchrotron in automotive<br />
challenges.<br />
PHOTONIC EXPERT MAP<br />
<strong>light</strong>! by secpho 5
OVERVIEW<br />
VOLKSWAGEN<br />
Volkswagen Navarra<br />
is opting for <strong>the</strong> latest<br />
developments in machine vision<br />
With an investment <strong>of</strong> 1.2 million euros, Volkswagen<br />
Navarre has launched an artificial vision tunnel with cutting-edge<br />
technology. Located in <strong>the</strong> Paint workshop, <strong>the</strong><br />
new installation uses <strong>the</strong> images captured by 30 cameras<br />
and 300,000 leds <strong>of</strong> <strong>light</strong>ing distributed in four arcs to detect<br />
small irregularities in bodywork. <strong>The</strong> artificial vision<br />
tunnel is a pioneer facility for Volkswagen.<br />
All bodywork manufactured and painted in Volkswagen<br />
Navarre passes through <strong>the</strong> new installation, which is 9.5<br />
metres long, 4.1 metres tall and 4.4 metres wide. Each is<br />
examined for 18 seconds inside <strong>the</strong> artificial vision tunnel,<br />
where 5,400 photographs are obtained.<br />
"With <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> powerful ma<strong>the</strong>matical algorithms, <strong>the</strong><br />
computer searches <strong>the</strong> images obtained for possible<br />
imperfections in <strong>the</strong> reflection <strong>of</strong> <strong>light</strong>, which would be<br />
imperfections on <strong>the</strong> bodywork", explains Amaya Novoa<br />
Grijalbo, <strong>of</strong> Paint Planning at Volkswagen Navarre.<br />
Thanks to this new detection system, able to appreciate<br />
details such as a drop <strong>of</strong> water or a fingerprint, paint polishing<br />
operators can see <strong>the</strong> detected imperfections on<br />
a screen, spending less time on <strong>the</strong>ir detection and thus<br />
reducing visual fatigue, which tends to increase with <strong>the</strong><br />
consecutive passage <strong>of</strong> <strong>light</strong> coloured <strong>car</strong> bodies.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> last six months, this commitment <strong>of</strong> Volkswagen<br />
Navarre to ongoing improvement and quality in <strong>the</strong> painting<br />
process has focused on adjusting all <strong>the</strong> detection<br />
parameters to <strong>the</strong> maximum, correctly defining <strong>the</strong> irregularities<br />
<strong>the</strong> system has to show. "This work requires periods<br />
<strong>of</strong> adjustment, but it is necessary to ensure that <strong>the</strong><br />
tunnel is as efficient as possible," adds Novoa.<br />
Francisco Rodríguez Funes, Paint Manager, explains that<br />
"<strong>the</strong> artificial vision tunnel allows us to increase <strong>the</strong> quality<br />
and capacity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> workshop, and also provides an<br />
opportunity to improve prior processes, as it provides us<br />
with a large quantity <strong>of</strong> information".<br />
6 LIGHT! by secpho<br />
From left to right, in front <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> artificial vision tunnel, Francisco<br />
Rodríguez Funes, Paint Manager; Amaya Novoa Grijalbo, Paint Planning;<br />
and Luis Bacaicoa Fernández, head <strong>of</strong> Production 6 metres<br />
Painting.
Volkswagen Polo bodywork on its way<br />
through <strong>the</strong> artificial vision tunnel installed<br />
in <strong>the</strong> Paint workshop.<br />
LIGHT! by secpho 7
Nissan opens its innovation ecosystem to<br />
cooperate with technological talent<br />
Nissan Barcelona is opening its innovation ecosystem to<br />
multiple external agents. <strong>The</strong> company is currently collaborating<br />
with more than 230 agents –startups, universities,<br />
technology centres, clusters and investors, among o<strong>the</strong>rs,–<br />
in its industrial operations in Barcelona. This innovation<br />
programme is in line with <strong>the</strong> Nissan Europe strategy, at <strong>the</strong><br />
centre <strong>of</strong> which is <strong>the</strong> Nissan Europe Innovation Lab in Paris.<br />
This ecosystem <strong>of</strong> open innovation and permanent search<br />
for talent is part <strong>of</strong> Nissan's response to market demands and<br />
<strong>the</strong> challenges <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> automotive industry. Nissan is tackling<br />
<strong>the</strong>se challenges, not only from <strong>the</strong> perspective <strong>of</strong> marketing<br />
and sales, but also from <strong>the</strong> point <strong>of</strong> view <strong>of</strong> manufacturing,<br />
<strong>the</strong>reby covering <strong>the</strong> entire process. In this regard, some<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> main aspects <strong>of</strong> Nissan's work at <strong>the</strong> Barcelona plant<br />
seek to respond to challenges such as autonomous driving,<br />
Collaborative robots, 3D printing or<br />
virtual reality are some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> solutions<br />
that Nissan uses to respond to <strong>the</strong> current<br />
challenges <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> automotive industry.<br />
digital connectivity and <strong>the</strong> growing number <strong>of</strong> zero emission<br />
vehicles. Thus, <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> collaborative robots and<br />
3D printing for some processes, <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> automatic<br />
trolleys (Automated Guided Vehicles -AGV-) to move materials<br />
in its factories, virtual reality and integrated flow<br />
management are just some examples.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Nissan Barcelona innovation ecosystem is committed<br />
to a dynamic and continuously growing environment,<br />
8 <strong>light</strong>! by secpho
About Nissan in Spain<br />
ready to connect with <strong>the</strong> most agile and disruptive talent<br />
interested in joining its open innovation strategy.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Nissan Intelligent Mobility vision is already a reality today<br />
through electric vehicles such as <strong>the</strong> e-NV200 100% electric<br />
van and <strong>the</strong> LEAF. This Nissan icon continues to be <strong>the</strong> best<br />
selling electric <strong>car</strong> in <strong>the</strong> world with more than 380,000 units<br />
sold since its global launch in 2010. This Intelligent Mobility<br />
is focused on <strong>the</strong> creation <strong>of</strong> renewable energy and energy<br />
storage solutions, as well as on <strong>the</strong> application <strong>of</strong> Network<br />
Connected Vehicle systems (Vehicle-to-Grid V2G). Undoubtedly,<br />
<strong>the</strong> company's commitment is to invest in new energy<br />
solutions to transform not only <strong>the</strong> way we drive, but also<br />
<strong>the</strong> way we live.<br />
Nissan has five production centres in Spain, in Barcelona,<br />
Ávila and Cantabria, where it manufactures<br />
<strong>the</strong> NV200 van, both <strong>the</strong> combustion engine and<br />
<strong>the</strong> electric version, which is <strong>the</strong> most sold in Europe,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Navara pick-up and <strong>the</strong> NT400/Cabstar<br />
<strong>light</strong>weight truck. It also manufactures components<br />
for several plants <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi<br />
Alliance, has an R&D centre for all <strong>of</strong> Europe,<br />
a distribution hub and a spare parts centre.<br />
Barcelona hosts <strong>the</strong> commercial headquarters for<br />
Spain and Portugal, countries where Nissan leads<br />
electric mobility and <strong>the</strong> crossover segment, and<br />
has a network <strong>of</strong> more than 200 points <strong>of</strong> sale and<br />
after-sales covering <strong>the</strong> entire Iberian Peninsula. In<br />
Spain, Nissan employs 5,000 people.<br />
<strong>light</strong>! by secpho 9
10 LIGHT! by SECPhO
SECPHO<br />
OVERVIEW<br />
Photonic technologies are driving<br />
<strong>the</strong> automotive industry<br />
towards a bright <strong>future</strong><br />
Transportation was one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> great revolutions <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> twentieth<br />
century, completely changing <strong>the</strong> way we move around<br />
our environment. Given <strong>the</strong> great impact that motor vehicles<br />
have had on our lives, <strong>the</strong> automotive industry has always<br />
used <strong>the</strong> latest technological advances to improve both<br />
<strong>the</strong> characteristics <strong>of</strong> vehicles (safety, comfort, connectivity,<br />
efficiency, etc.) and <strong>the</strong>ir production processes. Key in <strong>the</strong><br />
development <strong>of</strong> large numbers <strong>of</strong> monitoring, image and metering<br />
devices, photonic technologies have become part <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> new revolution in <strong>the</strong> automotive industry, from two<br />
very different perspectives: 1) improvement in <strong>the</strong> quality<br />
and monitoring <strong>of</strong> production processes and 2) <strong>the</strong> development<br />
and implementation <strong>of</strong> autonomous, clean and more<br />
comfortable vehicles for <strong>the</strong> driver and passengers.<br />
Regarding improvement <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> production chain, photonics<br />
is in an advantageous position compared to o<strong>the</strong>r technologies<br />
in areas such as monitoring <strong>the</strong> quality <strong>of</strong> processes<br />
by means <strong>of</strong> both standard and 3D imaging systems, or <strong>the</strong><br />
design and processing <strong>of</strong> materials by laser. On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
hand, one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> challenges in clean vehicles is to create propulsion<br />
systems based on new materials, and to improve <strong>the</strong><br />
current systems for filtering vehicle particles based on fossil<br />
fuels; <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> <strong>light</strong> as a means <strong>of</strong> analysis is key in all <strong>the</strong>se<br />
challenges. <strong>The</strong> industry is also moving in <strong>the</strong> direction <strong>of</strong><br />
autonomous vehicles, and as smart as possible, for which<br />
<strong>the</strong>y need to use advanced high-speed imaging and data<br />
processing systems.<br />
One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> photonic technologies most used in <strong>the</strong> automotive<br />
industry is laser, especially as a tool for processing<br />
materials, which affects <strong>the</strong> entire vehicle, both exterior<br />
and interior. In particular, one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> current trends is to use<br />
materials that are more <strong>light</strong>weight, while still efficient and<br />
safe, and one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most innovative approaches is <strong>the</strong> use<br />
<strong>of</strong> multi-material structures. <strong>The</strong> basic idea is to replace part<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> metal compounds used in <strong>the</strong> production processes<br />
with <strong>light</strong>er ones, while maintaining <strong>the</strong> resistance and reliability<br />
standards required by <strong>the</strong> industry, such as <strong>the</strong>rmoplastic<br />
compounds based on <strong>car</strong>bon fibre. In this sense, <strong>the</strong><br />
AIMEN technology centre is involved in <strong>the</strong> ComMunion project,<br />
using laser techniques for both <strong>the</strong> control and precise<br />
monitoring <strong>of</strong> material temperature, and for its high-speed<br />
cleaning and texturing.<br />
Progressing towards cleaner vehicles also requires more efficient<br />
manufacturing processes, in terms <strong>of</strong> energy, reliability<br />
and also speed <strong>of</strong> assembly. This is a perfect fit with <strong>the</strong><br />
opportunities provided by laser technology. <strong>The</strong> problem is<br />
that metal materials absorb very little energy at wavelengths<br />
at which lasers have traditionally performed best (typically<br />
in <strong>the</strong> near infrared with a wavelength <strong>of</strong> λ≈1μm). However,<br />
<strong>the</strong>re are some very attractive proposals for solving this<br />
problem, such as that <strong>car</strong>ried out by Coherent-R<strong>of</strong>in. With<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir FL-ARM system <strong>the</strong>y have redesigned <strong>the</strong> laser beam<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>ile to increase absorption <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> material at <strong>the</strong>se wavelengths<br />
by a controlled increase in its temperature. Ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />
LIGHT! <strong>light</strong>! by by SECPhO secpho 11
current trend to improve <strong>the</strong> efficiency <strong>of</strong> laser welding <strong>of</strong><br />
metal materials is <strong>the</strong> development <strong>of</strong> systems that operate<br />
at short wavelengths (below blue, λ≈0.45μm), where<br />
<strong>the</strong> absorption <strong>of</strong> energy in metals is high and cutting precision<br />
is also greater. In Spain, AIMEN and Laser 2000 are<br />
leading <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> such laser welding technologies for <strong>the</strong><br />
automotive industry. Along <strong>the</strong>se lines, also remarkable is<br />
defect monitoring and laser welding geometry based on<br />
high speed infrared cameras developed (and validated by<br />
leading companies in <strong>the</strong> automotive sector, such as Volvo)<br />
by New Infrared Technologies, in collaboration with AIMEN.<br />
Additive manufacturing (or 3D printing) is also one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
cross-sectional technologies that has had most applications<br />
in <strong>the</strong> automotive industry, where it has been used<br />
for a long time, especially in prototyping. Although chain<br />
production is not expected to be completely based on 3D<br />
manufacturing in <strong>the</strong> near <strong>future</strong>, <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> this technology<br />
is expected to explode in <strong>the</strong> next few years as a low<br />
cost solution for <strong>the</strong> design and chain production <strong>of</strong> small<br />
parts where precision is <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> essence. In particular, laser<br />
metal deposition (LMD) is <strong>the</strong> standard method adopted by<br />
leading companies such as Volkswagen or Nissan, for both<br />
<strong>the</strong> development <strong>of</strong> prototypes and for chain production.<br />
In order to accelerate <strong>the</strong> implementation <strong>of</strong> this technology,<br />
AIMEN is <strong>car</strong>rying out <strong>the</strong> INTEGRADDE project, with<br />
which it intends to create a control system for <strong>the</strong> parts<br />
produced during <strong>the</strong> entire process.<br />
Despite all <strong>the</strong>se advances in manufacturing processes<br />
and monitoring <strong>the</strong> quality <strong>of</strong> parts, <strong>the</strong>re is always a percentage<br />
<strong>of</strong> error that may require additional monitoring<br />
during <strong>the</strong> manufacturing process. In <strong>the</strong> automotive sector,<br />
a large number <strong>of</strong> metals are used, which are treated<br />
by different heat processes that give <strong>the</strong>m very particular<br />
properties. For this reason, any deviation from <strong>the</strong> expected<br />
temperature standards can ruin a whole part. Although<br />
all production processes are usually monitored by artificial<br />
vision, this does not precisely identify <strong>the</strong> temperature <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> material. Thus, complementary techniques such as <strong>the</strong>rmography<br />
(which analyses <strong>the</strong> temperature <strong>of</strong> a material<br />
at different points by remote measurement <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> infrared<br />
radiation emitted) are making <strong>the</strong>ir way into <strong>the</strong> industry.<br />
This is where <strong>the</strong>y have focused part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir efforts at bcb,<br />
where <strong>the</strong>y have created a complete <strong>the</strong>rmographic monitoring<br />
ecosystem, bcbMonitor. Alternatively, in many cases<br />
it is necessary to test manufactured parts in situ, which requires<br />
additional portability and flexibility. In <strong>the</strong> case <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
automobile, it is not always easy to have a 3D measurement<br />
system that shows that parts have been manufactured<br />
without error. For this reason, portable, simple and reliable<br />
solutions are being sought that allow parts to be scanned<br />
in real time, which is what <strong>the</strong>y have done at AsorCad with<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir portable 3D scanning laser system.<br />
Away from <strong>the</strong> assembly line, one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> great revolutions <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> first half <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 21st century, not only in <strong>the</strong> automotive<br />
field but also in terms <strong>of</strong> technology and mobility in general,<br />
is expected to be <strong>the</strong> development <strong>of</strong> autonomous <strong>car</strong>s, capable<br />
<strong>of</strong> navigating without <strong>the</strong> active participation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
driver. This means that <strong>the</strong> <strong>car</strong>s <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> near <strong>future</strong> must be<br />
equipped with smart vision that makes <strong>the</strong>m capable <strong>of</strong> detecting<br />
and identifying all <strong>the</strong> objects that surround <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
This implies <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> different types <strong>of</strong> sensors and vision<br />
systems, including 3D vision systems, where LiDAR (Light<br />
Detection and Ranging) has positioned itself as <strong>the</strong> best candidate<br />
to be "<strong>the</strong> eyes" <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>car</strong>s <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong>. In LiDAR,<br />
a pulsed laser scans <strong>the</strong> scene and, by measuring <strong>the</strong> time<br />
it takes for <strong>the</strong> <strong>light</strong> pulse to be reflected by <strong>the</strong> objects in<br />
<strong>the</strong> scene at different points, <strong>the</strong> 3D image can be reconstructed.<br />
This technology, combined with object identification<br />
algorithms, provides <strong>the</strong> possibility <strong>of</strong> autonomous and<br />
12 <strong>light</strong>! by secpho
intelligent automobiles. However, LiDAR loses efficiency in<br />
conditions with bright environmental <strong>light</strong>ing and, in order<br />
to solve this problem, Beamagine have designed a LiDAR<br />
system capable <strong>of</strong> cancelling out ambient <strong>light</strong>, enabling it to<br />
operate at greater distances. In general, <strong>the</strong> LiDAR technology<br />
must be complemented with a large number <strong>of</strong> optical<br />
sensors that provide information about <strong>the</strong> distance to any<br />
obstacle, changing <strong>the</strong> tonality <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> rear-view mirrors in<br />
high ambient <strong>light</strong>, adjusting <strong>the</strong> direction <strong>of</strong> head<strong>light</strong>s, etc.<br />
All <strong>the</strong>se sensors will give rise to a very high flow <strong>of</strong> information,<br />
which must be transmitted at <strong>the</strong> fastest possible<br />
speed, as it is essential to ensure minimal reaction and decision-making<br />
times. <strong>The</strong> fastest physical means <strong>of</strong> communication<br />
available to date is fibre optic, however economic<br />
and resistant fibres are required so that it may be used by <strong>the</strong><br />
automotive sector. This is precisely <strong>the</strong> objective <strong>of</strong> KDPOF,<br />
which has already positioned itself as a leader in <strong>the</strong> sector<br />
thanks to <strong>the</strong> IEEE and JASPAR certifications, which will<br />
enable its communication systems to be assembled in both<br />
Europe and Japan.<br />
<strong>The</strong> current trends in <strong>the</strong> automotive sector seek not only<br />
clean and autonomous vehicles, but also <strong>the</strong> creation <strong>of</strong><br />
spaces where driver and passengers feel comfortable in all<br />
possible situations. One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> options that have been explored<br />
during recent years is to incorporate projection systems<br />
in windscreens, showing any alert, speed, route map,<br />
etc. so that <strong>the</strong> driver does not have to look away from <strong>the</strong><br />
road. If we add to this a system for detection and classification<br />
<strong>of</strong> gestures, we could ensure that it is practically never<br />
necessary to take our hands <strong>of</strong>f <strong>the</strong> steering wheel, thus increasing<br />
<strong>the</strong> safety <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> vehicle.<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>light</strong>ing <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> vehicle also plays a very important role in<br />
<strong>the</strong> comfort <strong>of</strong> passengers. <strong>The</strong>refore, <strong>car</strong>s increasingly incorporate<br />
a greater variety <strong>of</strong> interior <strong>light</strong>ing systems that<br />
adapt to <strong>the</strong> requirements <strong>of</strong> passengers and outdoor <strong>light</strong>ing<br />
conditions. To achieve <strong>the</strong> most natural <strong>light</strong>ing possible,<br />
materials that precisely disseminate <strong>light</strong> are needed and, as<br />
an example, CEIT has been working on <strong>the</strong> design <strong>of</strong> materials<br />
by laser processing to generate zones with different<br />
<strong>light</strong>ing tonalities <strong>The</strong> Leitat Technological Centre seeks to<br />
control <strong>the</strong> amount <strong>of</strong> <strong>light</strong> entering <strong>the</strong> vehicle, through <strong>the</strong><br />
design <strong>of</strong> smart windows that adapt <strong>the</strong>ir opacity to <strong>the</strong> exterior<br />
conditions and thus prevent <strong>the</strong> <strong>car</strong> from overheating.<br />
Finally, we must not forget that one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> main sources <strong>of</strong><br />
innovation in <strong>the</strong> industry is <strong>the</strong> design, characterisation and<br />
testing <strong>of</strong> new materials. While many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> tests, such as<br />
mechanical or chemical tests, can be <strong>car</strong>ried out in companies'<br />
own research centres, more precise and detailed tests<br />
require <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> cutting-edge technology. This is precisely<br />
what synchrotron <strong>light</strong>, such as that generated in <strong>the</strong> ALBA<br />
Synchrotron, provides, enabling <strong>the</strong> study <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> behaviour<br />
<strong>of</strong> catalysts for contaminating gases or <strong>the</strong> structure <strong>of</strong> new<br />
materials, for example.<br />
<strong>The</strong>se are some examples <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> implementation <strong>of</strong> photonic<br />
technologies in <strong>the</strong> automotive sector, which represents<br />
10% <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> GDP and 19% <strong>of</strong> total exports, and which has always<br />
been an area where Spain has been a leader in <strong>the</strong> sector,<br />
as <strong>the</strong> 2nd largest <strong>car</strong> manufacturer in Europe (source:<br />
InvestSpain). This, toge<strong>the</strong>r with <strong>the</strong> key position <strong>of</strong> photonics<br />
in Spain, ensures a bright <strong>future</strong> for <strong>the</strong> photonic-automotive<br />
alliance in <strong>the</strong> coming years.<br />
In Spain, research centres and companies that are experts<br />
in photonics and are playing a vital role in <strong>the</strong> application <strong>of</strong><br />
photonic solutions for <strong>the</strong> automotive industry can be found<br />
in <strong>the</strong> following areas:<br />
<strong>light</strong>! by secpho 13
OVERVIEW<br />
SECPHO<br />
01<br />
02<br />
Innovative solutions for driving support<br />
Innovative solutions for manufacturing<br />
TRL 5- Technology validated in a relevant environment<br />
(relevant industrial environment in <strong>the</strong> case <strong>of</strong><br />
key enabling technologies -KET-).<br />
<strong>The</strong> following table shows <strong>the</strong> position in <strong>the</strong> value chain<br />
(by TRL) <strong>of</strong> each <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> experts, according to <strong>the</strong>ir capabilities<br />
and technologies applied to <strong>the</strong> four areas. <strong>The</strong> "S" has<br />
also been added to show that it is a service.<br />
In order to show <strong>the</strong> degree <strong>of</strong> maturity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> technologies<br />
and advances presented here, <strong>the</strong>y have been assigned a<br />
value from 0 to 9 in accordance with <strong>the</strong>ir TRL (Technology<br />
Readiness Level):<br />
TRL 1 - Basic principles studied.<br />
TRL 6- Technology demonstrated in a relevant environment<br />
(relevant industrial environment in <strong>the</strong> case<br />
<strong>of</strong> key enabling technologies -KET-).<br />
TRL 7- Prototype demonstration in an operational environment.<br />
TRL 8- Complete, qualified system.<br />
TRL 9- Actual system tested in an operating environment<br />
(competitive manufacturing in <strong>the</strong> case <strong>of</strong> key<br />
enabling technologies -KET-).<br />
TRL 2- Technological concept formulated.<br />
TRL 3- Experimental pro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> concept.<br />
TRL 4- Technology validated in <strong>the</strong> laboratory<br />
Álex Turpin<br />
Scientific Consultant<br />
AUTOMOTIVE<br />
SECTOR<br />
TECHNOLOGY READINESS LEVEL<br />
TRL1 TRL2 TRL3 TRL4 TRL5 TRL6 TRL7 TRL8 TRL9<br />
SERVICES<br />
DRIVING SUP-<br />
PORT<br />
ALBA<br />
INPHO-<br />
TECH<br />
ICFO<br />
CVC<br />
KDPOF<br />
INPHO-<br />
TECH<br />
IMASE-<br />
NIC<br />
CVC<br />
INPHO-<br />
TECH<br />
IMASE-<br />
NIC<br />
CEIT<br />
IMASENIC<br />
CVC<br />
INPHO-<br />
TECH<br />
IMASENIC<br />
GESTAMP<br />
CEIT<br />
BEAMAG-<br />
INE<br />
IMASENIC<br />
INPHO-<br />
TECH<br />
IMASENIC<br />
CEIT<br />
BEAMAGINE<br />
IMASENIC<br />
HAMAMATSU<br />
IBEROPTICS<br />
KDPOF<br />
VLC PHOTONICS<br />
PONTI<br />
ZABALA<br />
MICRORELLEUS<br />
ALTER<br />
TECHNOLOGY<br />
SOLUTIONS<br />
FOR<br />
MANUFACTUR-<br />
ING<br />
CO-<br />
HER-<br />
ENT |<br />
ROFIN<br />
CO-<br />
HER-<br />
ENT |<br />
ROFIN<br />
CO-<br />
HER-<br />
ENT |<br />
ROFIN<br />
INPHO-<br />
TECH<br />
CO-<br />
HER-<br />
ENT |<br />
ROFIN<br />
INPHO-<br />
TECH<br />
IMASE-<br />
NIC<br />
CEIT<br />
INPHO-<br />
TECH<br />
AIMEN<br />
COHER-<br />
ENT |<br />
ROFIN<br />
IMASE-<br />
NIC<br />
CEIT<br />
CVC<br />
COHER-<br />
ENT |<br />
ROFIN<br />
INPHO-<br />
TECH<br />
AIMEN<br />
ATRIA<br />
IMASENIC<br />
GESTAMP<br />
CEIT<br />
INPHO-<br />
TECH<br />
AIMEN<br />
COHER-<br />
ENT |<br />
ROFIN<br />
IMASENIC<br />
CEIT<br />
COHERENT |<br />
ROFIN<br />
IMASENIC<br />
BCB<br />
IBEROPTICS<br />
LASER 2000<br />
COHERENT |<br />
ROFIN<br />
AMS TECH-<br />
NOLOGIES<br />
AIMEN<br />
NIT<br />
VISIONA<br />
HAMAMATSU<br />
ASORCAD<br />
ASORCAD<br />
COHERENT |<br />
ROFIN<br />
MICRORELLEUS<br />
ZABALA<br />
PONTI<br />
ALTER<br />
TECHNOLOGY<br />
See detail on <strong>the</strong> map <strong>of</strong> photonic experts (page 57)<br />
14 <strong>light</strong>! by secpho
Collaboration is<br />
<strong>the</strong> best invention<br />
<strong>of</strong> humanity<br />
We are secpho, a<br />
technological innovation<br />
cluster comprising companies,<br />
technology centres<br />
and research groups<br />
that firmly believe in<br />
collaboration. Because<br />
only by collaborating<br />
and sharing ideas can<br />
we go where no one<br />
has been before. Where<br />
do you want to go?<br />
Pio ari ca Sciptis. Fereto hosulibem tum ego uncupio, quitilius, vit.<br />
Ipimis auciis popoporen dium incla mo verobse ium tem re con ti in<br />
sesseder laturitidin diisqui ditiacrum ors aur.<br />
Discover more at<br />
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Decte eria culicideo, pata, o inatam furs et di iam. Fac<br />
tastrum eore cotis vehem ellabem.<br />
Geroraet obsenatus. Forumen ditimis prit Castis patum<br />
me nimunt. Tabesimum iu in tabut Catu esimus<br />
commora? Nam o erte rem dit. Locaetra? Nihilis et vicum<br />
intimmo vit, cultodi, norum interit num fuit.<br />
Icips, quiu sestra eti, simus, omant? Aximum essi se,<br />
nes horum opublium pere et que faudam inu vid ia<br />
vicio vit, quam ent, am prae puliis me num que niquam<br />
re facteritius fur. Hui int.<br />
Ovemus. Cupplic ienteriame moereis facervi veribemurem.<br />
Fuit. Gilissuli cast a vatis cae te facris los, quosses<br />
terfirm ilistrei se aturs reis ve, ne interis ad clut<br />
furidemo itus, nostant, C. Castrist quiu sendiur quo<br />
vidertene con tifectorem cenimus, in sederem ignocati<br />
consulin ne que consus, nonsule simisquost vemustre<br />
coni sa Serudes, me nihi, quidenihi, Catimur, untis hilium<br />
acchilia videndeliis vis. Graed furenat iliceret cer<br />
iam medelin pra atereis vividet iace peri, ur a vis C. Fuiur,<br />
teres hebatuus opone cam<br />
Hit faciaspit hil minum ut exeriorit, nihit fugias eatempo ritatibus milit ut et ma qui delitior sequatus am faccaepratur<br />
min enis sim quos si a sectas exped eatem quae dem iditi deritib ustius volupiendame num reprovid<br />
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aruntia ant intias atiae voloreium voles sequide rchicima quostio expernatur, to is dipiend elicabores atem<br />
eum hillabo. Nam veligen ihiliatianis mi, ulpa et harum aliquis ciamet faccupis rerum, que veliquam volest volorem<br />
fugia seque modis aut ute rerit ut voluptatem quidebi sincto magnimodio. Olore vendernatur?<br />
Voluptae comnimo luptati dempores ut quid quid enis atur, ipit, quatis necusaerum haribus trumquam sam sus<br />
LIGHT! by SECPhO 15
Support<br />
for driving
DRIVING<br />
CEIT<br />
Ultrashort<br />
pulse lasers<br />
for automotive applications<br />
Many times great innovations happen in <strong>the</strong> smallest <strong>of</strong><br />
details. Details that produce special comfort, that lead to<br />
a better interior or exterior finish or that reduce friction<br />
enough to save on fuel. One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> tools being implemented<br />
in industrial production processes (and also in <strong>the</strong> automobile)<br />
is <strong>the</strong> laser tool.<br />
<strong>The</strong>se tools have been used for a long time for welding processes,<br />
but <strong>the</strong>y are increasingly being used in o<strong>the</strong>r industrial<br />
applications: drilling and cutting <strong>of</strong> materials, surface<br />
<strong>the</strong>rmal treatments, control <strong>of</strong> mechanical properties, joining<br />
dissimilar materials, etc.<br />
Within <strong>the</strong> wide variety <strong>of</strong> laser sources available on <strong>the</strong><br />
market, <strong>the</strong> most modern are known as ultrashort or femtosecond<br />
pulse sources. <strong>The</strong> main characteristic <strong>of</strong> processes<br />
with ultrashort pulse is <strong>the</strong> almost zero <strong>the</strong>rmal affectation.<br />
It is in <strong>the</strong> specific case <strong>of</strong> femtosecond pulses, which<br />
have a duration <strong>of</strong> around 10-15 seconds, that this characteristic<br />
manifests itself in all its potential.<br />
<strong>The</strong> energy emitted by <strong>the</strong> laser is transmitted in such a<br />
short space <strong>of</strong> time that it cannot be dissipated from <strong>the</strong><br />
electron network through <strong>the</strong> atoms, thus producing a direct<br />
transition from solid state to gas, that is, sublimation<br />
without producing any <strong>the</strong>rmal change in <strong>the</strong> rest <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
material.<br />
<strong>The</strong> main result <strong>of</strong> this ultra-fast process is <strong>the</strong> ability to<br />
perform processes with a very high resolution that could<br />
only be dreamed <strong>of</strong> just a few years ago but is now available<br />
to end users: resolutions in <strong>the</strong> one micrometre range<br />
are achievable in most processes, falling to 0.2 in <strong>the</strong> case<br />
<strong>of</strong> superficial processes.
Ceit has been working on femtosecond lasers for more than<br />
ten years, and specialises in developing industrial applications<br />
that tap into <strong>the</strong> capabilities <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se lasers. In terms<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> automotive sector, here are two specific applications<br />
that we have developed:<br />
01<br />
Modification <strong>of</strong> plastic elements for <strong>the</strong><br />
generation <strong>of</strong> <strong>light</strong>ing effects. Currently, ergonomics<br />
in <strong>the</strong> interior <strong>of</strong> automobiles is<br />
becoming a requirement for all new models that manufacturers<br />
launch on <strong>the</strong> market. As part <strong>of</strong> this drive for ergonomics,<br />
<strong>the</strong> interior <strong>light</strong>ing <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> passenger compartment<br />
is a very demanded effect, since <strong>the</strong> aim is to adapt it to<br />
each type <strong>of</strong> driver, different exterior <strong>light</strong>ing (night vs. day)<br />
or even different areas inside <strong>the</strong> passenger compartment.<br />
In this respect, one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> effects most sought after by manufacturers<br />
is to illuminate <strong>the</strong> interior from <strong>the</strong> ro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>car</strong> with diffuse <strong>light</strong>, to generate a sense <strong>of</strong> comfort for all<br />
occupants without adversely affecting driving. This effect<br />
is achieved using <strong>light</strong> sources <strong>of</strong> different colours (usually<br />
LEDs) depending on <strong>the</strong> selected mode (night, day, sports,<br />
comfort, etc.), and projecting it through a sheet <strong>of</strong> transparent<br />
material that diffuses it to specific parts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ceiling.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> case <strong>of</strong> wanting to project <strong>light</strong>s <strong>of</strong> different colours<br />
simultaneously, one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> problems that arises is <strong>the</strong> need<br />
to use different sheets and separate <strong>the</strong>m to ensure that<br />
each colour is used just where it should and nowhere else.<br />
In a sector like <strong>the</strong> <strong>car</strong> industry where investments are always<br />
very tight, this can represent an unacceptable level <strong>of</strong><br />
spending, yet <strong>the</strong> femtosecond laser can provide an economically<br />
viable solution. By managing to modify <strong>the</strong> interior<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se sheets without affecting <strong>the</strong>ir structural integrity,<br />
it is possible to separate <strong>the</strong>ir different zones by forming internal<br />
barriers to introduce several colours simultaneously.<br />
Alternatively, instead <strong>of</strong> processing <strong>the</strong> sheet to generate<br />
barriers, arbitrary shapes can be generated and, since <strong>the</strong>se<br />
are illuminated on contact with <strong>light</strong>, <strong>the</strong>y can serve as ornamental<br />
motifs that change colour depending on <strong>the</strong> <strong>light</strong><br />
source used.<br />
02<br />
Controlled micro/nanotexturing <strong>of</strong> injection<br />
moulds to generate patterns on <strong>the</strong>ir surface,<br />
which are transmitted to <strong>the</strong> final piece in <strong>the</strong><br />
injection process. Different properties can thus be given to<br />
plastic end pieces, ranging from optical effects (ornamentation)<br />
to properties such as hydrophobicity or anti-fingerprint<br />
effects (oleophobicity).<br />
Iridisations produced by <strong>the</strong> micro/nanostructures generated in a<br />
mould insert processed with femtosecond lasers.<br />
<strong>The</strong>se are just two examples that show <strong>the</strong> potential <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> femtosecond laser and its application in <strong>the</strong> automotive<br />
sector. If we also consider that, once <strong>the</strong> initial<br />
investment is made, <strong>the</strong> expense in fungibles, masks and<br />
materials is almost nil, and that this technology respects<br />
<strong>the</strong> environment without needing chemicals or abrasives<br />
like o<strong>the</strong>r alternative technologies do, we believe that in<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong> ultrashort pulse lasers will play a leading role<br />
in manufacturing processes in which precision and quality<br />
are <strong>the</strong> key to innovation.<br />
Mikel Gómez<br />
Advanced Manufacturing Group Investigator,<br />
Powder metallurgy and Laser<br />
<strong>light</strong>! by secpho 19
Optical Semiconductors for Automotive<br />
Applications<br />
Photodiodes & IR LED’s<br />
Rain & Sun Sensor<br />
3D Sensor<br />
Park Assist or<br />
Gesture Recognition<br />
Ambient Light Sensor<br />
Intelligent Head<strong>light</strong>s<br />
COMFORT &<br />
INTERIOR<br />
Si APD & Laser Diode<br />
LIDAR Scanner<br />
Ambient Light<br />
Sensor<br />
Dimming Mirrors<br />
<strong>The</strong>rmopiles<br />
C0 2 Detection<br />
SAFE & GREEN<br />
<strong>The</strong>rmopile Arrays<br />
Occupant Detection &<br />
Auto Climate Control<br />
Smart Sensor<br />
Proximity Switch<br />
including LEDs for HMI<br />
Hamamatsu <strong>of</strong>fers a wide range <strong>of</strong> compact, flexible,<br />
and reliable optical sensors for:<br />
• Information Systems: Such as MOST25 & 150, Car-to-X communication, eg VICS<br />
• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): Head-up display (HUD), illumination/RGB colour sensors<br />
for automatic head<strong>light</strong> control, automatic anti-glare mirrors, interior <strong>light</strong>ing control and rain sensing<br />
• Vehicle Safety Systems: Laser radar detection, steering/angle sensing and 3D time-<strong>of</strong>-f<strong>light</strong> imaging<br />
• Automatic Climate Control: Such as Sun load sensing<br />
• Driver Interface: Such as jog dials
KDPOF<br />
DRIVING<br />
Japanese <strong>car</strong>s surrender<br />
to Spanish plastic fibre optic<br />
communication systems<br />
<strong>The</strong> standard designed by KDPOF passes <strong>the</strong> strict tests <strong>of</strong><br />
JASPAR, <strong>the</strong> organisation which includes companies such as<br />
Toyota, Honda and Nissan.<br />
POF<br />
Knowledge Development<br />
To identify <strong>future</strong> challenges for <strong>the</strong> automotive sector<br />
and look for possible solutions in order to standardise<br />
<strong>the</strong>m and mitigate <strong>the</strong> impact <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se problems. This is<br />
<strong>the</strong> goal <strong>of</strong> JASPAR (Japan Automotive S<strong>of</strong>tware Platform<br />
and Architecture), <strong>the</strong> Japanese organisation that represents<br />
more than 220 companies in <strong>the</strong> sector, among<br />
which are <strong>the</strong> main <strong>car</strong> manufacturers and suppliers, such as<br />
Toyota, Honda, Mazda and Nissan, among o<strong>the</strong>rs.<br />
And it is precisely this platform that has just given a great<br />
boost to <strong>the</strong> Spanish company KDPOF (Knowledge Development<br />
for Plastic Optical Fibres), by passing strict operational<br />
performance tests with its patented communication<br />
system for <strong>the</strong> transmission and receipt <strong>of</strong> information at<br />
Gigabit speed.<br />
With <strong>the</strong> KD1053 integrated circuit, <strong>the</strong> Spanish company<br />
that was established in 2010 and just over two years<br />
ago became <strong>the</strong> E<strong>the</strong>rnet standard for plastic fibre optic<br />
according to <strong>the</strong> ETSI (European Telecommunications<br />
Standards Institute) and <strong>the</strong> IEEE (Institute <strong>of</strong> Electrical<br />
and Electronics Engineers), has taken a giant step<br />
in <strong>the</strong> automotive sector, especially in relation to<br />
<strong>the</strong> development <strong>of</strong> connected autonomous vehicles.<br />
This type <strong>of</strong> vehicle, which all makes are<br />
working on, requires an increase in sensors<br />
and connected devices, which is generating<br />
electromagnetic problems that hinder communications<br />
and cause serious inefficiencies.<br />
Plastic fibre optic systems come into play<br />
here: <strong>the</strong>ir use is fundamental to facilitating<br />
<strong>the</strong> connectivity <strong>of</strong> all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>car</strong>'s digital elements.<br />
"<strong>The</strong> KDPOF optical network solution<br />
greatly improves <strong>the</strong> speed <strong>of</strong> automotive<br />
<strong>light</strong>! by secpho 21
networks and has gone beyond <strong>the</strong> obsolete protocols <strong>of</strong><br />
previous networks," said Hideki Goto, head <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Next<br />
Generation High-Speed Network working group at JAS-<br />
PAR and a group manager at Toyota.<br />
Goto points out that this technology is <strong>the</strong> "ideal" for <strong>future</strong><br />
network infrastructures in vehicles, as it enables wiring<br />
that can be deployed along with electric wring, as it<br />
does not conduct electricity and, <strong>the</strong>refore, meets <strong>the</strong> prerequisites<br />
related to electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).<br />
Exam passed<br />
Among <strong>the</strong> numerous tests to which <strong>the</strong> plastic fibre optic<br />
solution <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Spanish company has been subjected,<br />
emission and immunity tests are included to guarantee<br />
that it will not disturb <strong>the</strong> environment with electromagnetic<br />
interference. Likewise, it has also passed different<br />
extreme temperature tests, referring both to <strong>the</strong> plastic<br />
fibre optic standard in <strong>the</strong> automotive sector and that <strong>of</strong><br />
optical connectors pursuant to <strong>the</strong> ISO 21111-4CD standard.<br />
In addition, among <strong>the</strong> tests related to electromagnetic<br />
compatibility, JASPAR has <strong>car</strong>ried out tests on radiated<br />
and conducted emissions (in order to check <strong>the</strong> disturbances<br />
that voltage and current can cause).<br />
Current injection (BCI) tests, and tests on immunity to radiated<br />
radio frequency fields have also been performed,<br />
as well as on electrostatic discharges (ESD) and transient<br />
pulses.<br />
<strong>The</strong> KD1053 solution has met all standards with a considerable<br />
margin. Thus, Hideki Goto is satisfied with <strong>the</strong><br />
results <strong>of</strong> this project, because <strong>the</strong> main objective <strong>of</strong> JAS-<br />
PAR is "to generate an environment that allows <strong>the</strong> Japanese<br />
automotive sector to cooperate and fur<strong>the</strong>r boost<br />
innovation".<br />
Already integrated in <strong>future</strong> models<br />
This acknowledgment by <strong>the</strong> Japanese motor vehicle sector<br />
is added to that <strong>of</strong> a giant, in this case a German multinational.<br />
In just over a year, <strong>the</strong> battery management systems<br />
<strong>of</strong> its hybrid and electric models will already have<br />
KDPOF plastic optical fibre for all its communications.<br />
<strong>The</strong> impulse <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> plastic optical fibre from this Spanish<br />
company is more than type approved and pro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> this, as<br />
Ós<strong>car</strong> Ciordia, its marketing manager, points out, is <strong>the</strong><br />
fact that <strong>the</strong>y are also working with o<strong>the</strong>r OEMs (original<br />
equipment manufacturers), for <strong>future</strong> launches, after<br />
2020.<br />
Creu Ibáñez<br />
Journalist<br />
22 <strong>light</strong>! by secpho
L3CAM<br />
Reimagine lidar imaging<br />
Pio ari ca Sciptis. Fereto hosulibem tum ego uncupio, quitilius, vit.<br />
Ipimis auciis popoporen Video dium incla and mo verobse 3D vision ium tem re con Full ti in solid state system<br />
sesseder laturitidin diisqui solutions ditiacrum for ors aur. any kind with high resolution in<br />
<strong>of</strong> autonomous vehicle real time<br />
Decte eria culicideo, pata, o inatam furs et di iam. Fac<br />
tastrum eore cotis vehem ellabem.<br />
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commora? Nam o erte rem dit. Locaetra? Nihilis et vicum<br />
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Contact Voluptae for details: comnimo luptati dempores ut quid quid enis atur, ipit, quatis necusaerum haribus trumquam sam sus<br />
info@beamagine.com<br />
www.beamagine.com<br />
+34 659 706 005<br />
LIGHT! by SECPhO 23<br />
+34 648 773 478
DRIVING<br />
LEITAT<br />
Smart glass<br />
that adapts to solar radiation<br />
Vehicle designers consider it an essential<br />
requirement to ensure an<br />
adequate level <strong>of</strong> comfort inside <strong>the</strong><br />
passenger compartment. For this<br />
purpose, <strong>the</strong>rmal and visual comfort<br />
conditions are particularly relevant. A<br />
clear example is <strong>the</strong> unpleasant situation<br />
when getting into a vehicle that<br />
has been parked in <strong>the</strong> sun for a few<br />
hours; or also, <strong>the</strong> effect <strong>of</strong> glare in<br />
low <strong>light</strong> conditions. <strong>The</strong> market provides<br />
glass for <strong>car</strong>s that is designed as<br />
a compromise between extreme climates,<br />
but that is unable to regulate<br />
<strong>light</strong> and heat intensity in particular<br />
cases.<br />
This problem can be solved thanks to<br />
<strong>the</strong> implementation <strong>of</strong> a new generation<br />
<strong>of</strong> intelligent glass able to automatically<br />
adapt to wea<strong>the</strong>r conditions<br />
and regulate <strong>the</strong> intensity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> solar<br />
radiation that reaches <strong>the</strong> interior.<br />
This glass, technically called "plasmochromic",<br />
is based on <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> a new<br />
technology that enables constant regulation<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> visible and <strong>the</strong>rmal radiation<br />
passing through <strong>the</strong> glass, after<br />
<strong>the</strong> application <strong>of</strong> a small electrical<br />
potential.<br />
<strong>The</strong>se two magnitudes (visible and<br />
infrared <strong>light</strong>) directly affect energy<br />
consumption inside <strong>the</strong> vehicle and<br />
<strong>the</strong> comfort <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> occupants. This<br />
new plasmochromic technology is<br />
based on <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> intelligent nanomaterials<br />
that selectively filter <strong>the</strong><br />
intensity <strong>of</strong> incident radiation after<br />
being interconnected with a sensor<br />
system that constantly determines<br />
solar radiation values, maximising<br />
comfort and minimising energy expenditure.<br />
It is thus possible to regulate<br />
<strong>the</strong> intensity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>rmal radiation<br />
by letting <strong>the</strong> heat <strong>car</strong>ried by <strong>the</strong> sun's<br />
rays in winter pass through and rejecting<br />
it in <strong>the</strong> summer without compromising<br />
<strong>the</strong> transparency <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> glass.<br />
This functionality is an absolute novelty<br />
in <strong>the</strong> field <strong>of</strong> smart window technologies,<br />
considering that infrared radiation<br />
accounts for 53% <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> energy transmitted<br />
by solar rays.<br />
Researchers at <strong>the</strong> LEITAT Technological<br />
Centre, in collaboration with Istituto<br />
Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), are working<br />
on <strong>the</strong> development <strong>of</strong> this technology<br />
in <strong>the</strong> framework <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> SUNDANCING<br />
project, with <strong>the</strong> support <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Regional<br />
Government <strong>of</strong> Catalonia's Agency<br />
for <strong>the</strong> Business Competitiveness (AC-<br />
CIÓ). <strong>The</strong> objective is to develop interfacial<br />
dynamic glass prototypes with IoT<br />
digital control systems. In <strong>the</strong> not so<br />
distant <strong>future</strong>, <strong>car</strong>s will have glass capable<br />
<strong>of</strong> recording <strong>the</strong> changing physiological<br />
demands <strong>of</strong> drivers in real time<br />
and smartly adapting to prevent and reduce<br />
distractions and accidents.<br />
Michele Manca<br />
LEITAT Technological Centre<br />
Energy & Engineering Department<br />
"Plasmochromic" glass prototype<br />
made by LEITAT and IIT researchers<br />
24 <strong>light</strong>! by secpho
Connecting Global Competence<br />
THE LEADING LIGHT<br />
SEE YOU AT WORLD OF<br />
PHOTONICS CONGRESS 2019<br />
Contact: FIRAMUNICH, S. L.<br />
Tel. +34 93 488 1720<br />
info@fi ramunich.com<br />
JUNE 23–27, 2019, MESSE MÜNCHEN<br />
24th International Congress on Photonics in Europe—<br />
collocated with LASER World <strong>of</strong> PHOTONICS 2019<br />
photonics-congress.com
ALTER TECHNOLOGY<br />
DRIVING<br />
Electronic<br />
components for motor vehicles:<br />
<strong>the</strong> solution in New Space?<br />
<strong>The</strong> space industry is becoming an increasingly competitive<br />
sector, requiring systems with better performance at a<br />
lower cost. This is particularly applicable to small satellites<br />
and what is now known as New Space. This trend has consequences<br />
at all levels <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> production chain, including<br />
<strong>the</strong> selection, acquisition and verification <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> electronic<br />
components used.<br />
<strong>The</strong> certified components available for space applications<br />
are not able to meet <strong>the</strong> needs <strong>of</strong> current missions, ei<strong>the</strong>r<br />
because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir cost or because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir limited availability,<br />
lack <strong>of</strong> new functionalities, degree <strong>of</strong> miniaturisation,<br />
etc. This is especially true for optoelectronic devices for<br />
which <strong>the</strong>re is no space-qualified component, when photonic<br />
technologies are a clear driver <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> new generation<br />
<strong>of</strong> space systems.<br />
Optoelectronic devices (LEDs, photodetectors, fibre optics,<br />
etc.) have not only begun to be used recurrently in space,<br />
but also classic components (such as solar sensors, CMOS<br />
cameras, etc.) are becoming key elements for success <strong>of</strong><br />
various instruments and missions.<br />
<strong>The</strong>re are well-known advantages to using <strong>the</strong>se photonic<br />
technologies in space, such as <strong>the</strong> limited generation <strong>of</strong><br />
noise, electromagnetic immunity, mass reduction, greater<br />
bandwidth and great ability to multiplex signals, enabling a<br />
high volume <strong>of</strong> data transmission, etc. Undoubtedly, all this<br />
makes its use very attractive. However, we must first overcome<br />
<strong>the</strong> lack <strong>of</strong> availability <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se qualified components<br />
for this sector.<br />
ALTER TECHNOLOGY GROUP has developed extensive<br />
experience and knowledge in <strong>the</strong> encapsulation<br />
and verification <strong>of</strong> opto-electronic devices,<br />
covering <strong>the</strong> full range <strong>of</strong> technologies and devices,<br />
such as:<br />
• Laser & LEDs 250 to 5000 nm<br />
• Recipient modules (180 to 11000 nm)<br />
• Amplifiers and optical modulators<br />
• Switches and dividers<br />
• Optocouplers and photodiodes<br />
• Multimode and single mode optic fibres<br />
• Liquid crystal devices<br />
• Image sensors<br />
• Optical transceivers<br />
• MOEMS<br />
Likewise, electronic components designed for o<strong>the</strong>r industrial<br />
applications, such as <strong>the</strong> <strong>car</strong> industry, are beginning<br />
to show high levels <strong>of</strong> reliability when <strong>the</strong>y are<br />
produced in large volumes and when <strong>the</strong>y are subject<br />
to dedicated rating schemes (e.g. AEC Q), and <strong>the</strong>ir use<br />
could be a solution to <strong>the</strong> problems described above for<br />
<strong>the</strong> space sector. However, <strong>the</strong>re is still a significant distance<br />
between space requirements and <strong>the</strong> potential reliable<br />
use <strong>of</strong> parts not designed for this sector.<br />
<strong>The</strong> AEC (www.aecouncil.com) was created in <strong>the</strong> nineties,<br />
as a result <strong>of</strong> several discussions among leading automotive<br />
manufacturers: DELCO Electronics, Chrysler,<br />
<strong>light</strong>! by secpho 27
Ford, etc. Its impetus was mainly due to <strong>the</strong> difficulties <strong>the</strong>y<br />
faced in obtaining certified electronic parts to meet <strong>the</strong><br />
needs <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir sector, with <strong>the</strong> aim <strong>of</strong> achieving a common<br />
certification scheme. With <strong>the</strong>se considerations in mind,<br />
<strong>the</strong> AEC Q100 standard (Qualification test for integrated<br />
circuits) was developed, which today involves more than<br />
twenty recognised automotive equipment suppliers and<br />
more than thirty electronic component manufacturers.<br />
<strong>The</strong> qualification flow that was designed is robust and<br />
covers <strong>the</strong> types <strong>of</strong> degradation mechanisms attributable<br />
to components during a standard automotive application.<br />
However, if we compare <strong>the</strong>se requirements with <strong>the</strong> standards<br />
used in Europe for space, <strong>the</strong> ESCC system (www.<br />
escies.org/specfamily/View), <strong>the</strong>re are not only some differences<br />
associated with <strong>the</strong> test flows and sample sizes used,<br />
but also some key differential elements:<br />
<strong>The</strong> "third party" function is missing to manage and<br />
monitor <strong>the</strong> rating process. <strong>The</strong> ratings in <strong>the</strong> ECSS<br />
system are maintained by ESA and several European<br />
space agencies, while <strong>the</strong> AEC rating is conducted directly<br />
by <strong>the</strong> component manufacturers <strong>the</strong>mselves,<br />
<strong>the</strong>re is no external entity to review it.<br />
After completing <strong>the</strong> first AEC qualification, validity<br />
is indefinite with no periodic testing required, while<br />
ESCC qualifications require a maintenance process<br />
and <strong>the</strong> need to perform a significant number <strong>of</strong> periodic<br />
tests, every two years.<br />
<strong>The</strong> AEC system lacks detailed specifications for each<br />
product, as defined and understood in o<strong>the</strong>r specification<br />
systems (ESCC, MIL, etc.), which include detailed<br />
conditions for <strong>the</strong> performance <strong>of</strong> each test,<br />
failure criteria, etc.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> automotive sector, manufacturers have a high<br />
degree <strong>of</strong> freedom to change <strong>the</strong>ir processes and<br />
perform requalification, which does not happen in<br />
<strong>the</strong> space sector.<br />
Batch concept: <strong>the</strong> degree <strong>of</strong> homogeneity and management<br />
requirements are more relaxed, while batch<br />
definition in <strong>the</strong> ESCC system is very strict, detailed<br />
requirements are applicable to <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> raw materials:<br />
<strong>the</strong> origin <strong>of</strong> wafers, encapsulated batches, manufacturing<br />
and testing, etc.<br />
28 <strong>light</strong>! by secpho
ALTER TECHNOLOGY<br />
DRIVING<br />
Characterising anti-radiation behaviour, both response<br />
to gamma radiation (TID) and single event effects (SEE)<br />
or displacement damage (DD).<br />
Integrity in vacuum conditions and degassing characteristics.<br />
<strong>The</strong> need to have broader operating temperature ranges,<br />
integrity to <strong>the</strong>rmal cycles, etc.<br />
It does not consider <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> prohibited materials in<br />
space; for example, pure tin, which in certain conditions<br />
can produce tin filaments, a mechanism <strong>of</strong> failure<br />
known to produce short circuits.<br />
We must emphasise <strong>the</strong> importance <strong>of</strong> knowing all fundamental<br />
failure modes that can be suffered by automotive<br />
parts during a space mission, including all pertinent aspects<br />
in <strong>the</strong> test plan, from a radiation test, to <strong>the</strong> verification<br />
<strong>of</strong> degassing levels, or <strong>the</strong> possible presence <strong>of</strong> prohibited<br />
materials, using appropriate inspection techniques: electrical<br />
measurements, X-ray inspection, acoustic verification<br />
(CSAM), electronic microscopy (SEM), EDAX, X-ray fluorescence,<br />
etc.<br />
It should be considered that activities on a component level<br />
must be complemented by and connected with o<strong>the</strong>r actions<br />
that influence <strong>the</strong> reliability <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> final equipment, from <strong>the</strong><br />
design itself (introduction <strong>of</strong> redundancies, etc.), to <strong>the</strong> tests<br />
<strong>car</strong>ried out at higher levels <strong>of</strong> integration.<br />
<strong>The</strong> added value <strong>of</strong> all <strong>the</strong>se processes is based on adequate<br />
engineering work, an in-depth knowledge <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> technologies<br />
to be evaluated, toge<strong>the</strong>r with experience and access<br />
to <strong>the</strong> necessary test methods and inspection techniques.<br />
Once <strong>the</strong> batch has passed <strong>the</strong> planned research and test<br />
activities, it is deemed trustworthy for use in <strong>the</strong> application.<br />
On <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r hand, <strong>the</strong> normal way to acquire parts within<br />
<strong>the</strong> automotive sector is with <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> a PPAP (Production<br />
Part Approval Process). <strong>The</strong> PPAP is a valuable tool for trusting<br />
component suppliers and <strong>the</strong>ir production processes,<br />
but it requires orders <strong>of</strong> large quantities <strong>of</strong> parts, larger than<br />
those needed in <strong>the</strong> space sector, even considering <strong>the</strong> new<br />
needs <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> mega-constellation <strong>of</strong> satellites.<br />
(Top image) Summary <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> measurement bank.<br />
(Image below) Detail <strong>of</strong> an internal visual inspection <strong>of</strong> a semiconductor<br />
laser<br />
In line with <strong>the</strong>se considerations, <strong>the</strong> AEC qualified automotive<br />
components are clearly not a direct replacement for<br />
<strong>the</strong> qualified components for use in space and do not fully<br />
meet <strong>the</strong> sector's demands; however, <strong>the</strong>y remain <strong>of</strong> high<br />
interest and have great potential for use in space, designing<br />
protocols that complement this difference and enabling <strong>the</strong><br />
level <strong>of</strong> confidence required by <strong>the</strong> sector to be reached.<br />
Demetrio López<br />
Innovation Director<br />
<strong>light</strong>! by secpho 29
Parts<br />
Engineering<br />
Product<br />
Assurance<br />
Electromagnetic<br />
Compatibility<br />
Radio<br />
Environmental<br />
Electrical<br />
testing<br />
Physical and<br />
mechanical<br />
techniques<br />
Failure<br />
analysis<br />
Environmental<br />
testing<br />
COTS<br />
validation<br />
Radiation<br />
testing<br />
Procurement<br />
CE Marking<br />
Safety<br />
Security<br />
Functional<br />
Wafer processing<br />
Flip chip<br />
Pick and place<br />
Wire bond<br />
Die attach<br />
Encapsulation<br />
Gold stud bumping<br />
Fibre align<br />
Space<br />
Aeronautics<br />
&RPAS<br />
Defence<br />
Telecom<br />
Energy<br />
Railway<br />
Security<br />
and Alarm
Master<br />
in Photonics<br />
"Photonics BCN"<br />
PHOTONICS is one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> disciplines that plays a key<br />
role in 21st century technological development.<br />
Four leading research and academic institutions in<br />
<strong>the</strong> BARCELONA area joined force to <strong>of</strong>fer a comprehensive<br />
MSc in PHOTONICS programme as a combination<br />
<strong>of</strong> basic and advanced elective courses covering<br />
<strong>the</strong> main branches <strong>of</strong> PHOTONICS:<br />
- Basics <strong>of</strong> Photonics<br />
- Quantum Optics and Technology<br />
- Nonlinear and Ultrafast Optics<br />
- Biophotonics and Imaging<br />
- Photonics Materials and Metamaterials<br />
- Nanophotonics<br />
- Optical Engineering<br />
- Photonics Technology<br />
<strong>The</strong> Masters programme aims at educating <strong>future</strong> researchers<br />
in this field and also promoting entrepreneurial<br />
activity in PHOTONICS amongst its students.<br />
Main programme: 60 ECTS (1 academic year)<br />
Classes will begin Autumn 2019<br />
More information at: https://photonics.masters.upc.edu/en<br />
Admissions for 2019 open at: https://photonics.masters.upc.edu/<br />
en/copy_<strong>of</strong>_academic-year-2019-20
Solutions<br />
for manufacturing
MANUFACTURING<br />
NIT<br />
I3LASWELD<br />
ensures excellence<br />
in laser welding<br />
New Infrared Technologies (NIT), in collaboration with <strong>the</strong><br />
AIMEN Technology Centre, has developed <strong>the</strong> I3LASWELD<br />
system for <strong>the</strong> inline quality control <strong>of</strong> laser welding processes,<br />
capable <strong>of</strong> detecting defects in weld seams in real time<br />
and identifying defective parts.<br />
<strong>The</strong> I3LASWELD system (Inline Infrared Imaging Laser Welding<br />
QA) is based on a high speed infrared camera (1 kHz)<br />
manufactured by NIT, opto-mechanically coupled to <strong>the</strong> laser<br />
optics, which continuously monitors <strong>the</strong> geometry <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
melt-pool. <strong>The</strong>se infrared images <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> melt-pool, acquired<br />
coaxially, are processed in real time using powerful algorithms<br />
based on neural networks, which provide information<br />
about <strong>the</strong> areas where <strong>the</strong> defects are concentrated and<br />
thus enable an evaluation <strong>of</strong> final quality (OK / NOK).<br />
<strong>The</strong> I3LASWELD system is compatible with both fixed and<br />
remote welding laser optics, and can be trained to detect<br />
multiple defects in different configurations, process types<br />
(transparency, butt or edge), sheet materials and thicknesses.<br />
As training is based on images <strong>of</strong> real processes, in which<br />
<strong>the</strong> defects to be detected have been forced in a production<br />
scenario, I3LASWELD provides very high defect detection<br />
rates with a success rate <strong>of</strong> more than 99%. Some examples<br />
<strong>of</strong> defects that I3LASWELD is able to detect very accurately<br />
are: lack <strong>of</strong> penetration, lack <strong>of</strong> fusion (false friend), excessive<br />
throat depth and absence <strong>of</strong> bead (discontinuities, pores,<br />
holes), among o<strong>the</strong>rs.<br />
I3LASWELD has been successfully validated in a collaborative<br />
project with VOLVO, in which quality control <strong>of</strong><br />
transparency welds between steel sheets (0.75 mm +<br />
0.70 mm) was <strong>car</strong>ried out to ensure that <strong>the</strong> process met<br />
<strong>the</strong> required standards regarding both depth <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> weld<br />
throat and internal width <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> joint.<br />
Currently, NIT and AIMEN are implementing <strong>the</strong> I3LAS-<br />
WELD system in a GESTAMP production cell, at its<br />
Abrera plant, to detect defects in welds on-<strong>the</strong>-fly using<br />
a remote welding optical scanner, aiming to control <strong>the</strong><br />
quality <strong>of</strong> more than 10,000 weld beads per production<br />
shift. <strong>The</strong> interconnection <strong>of</strong> I3LASWELD with <strong>the</strong> production<br />
quality control system implemented in <strong>the</strong> process<br />
cell will enable immediate performance metrics to be<br />
obtained, providing very accurate and valuable information<br />
to production engineers, in real time.<br />
Rodrigo Linares<br />
Director <strong>of</strong> Business Development<br />
34 34 LIGHT! <strong>light</strong>! by secpho by secpho
LIGHT! by secpho 35
MANUFACTURING<br />
ASORCAD<br />
Smart manufacturing<br />
becomes portable<br />
Portability, reliability and simplicity: <strong>the</strong> three attributes<br />
that new technologies have been providing to<br />
engineers and manufacturers in <strong>the</strong>ir daily work. Now,<br />
<strong>the</strong>se technologies are doing <strong>the</strong> same thing in <strong>the</strong><br />
field <strong>of</strong> metrology, inspection and quality control.<br />
It used to be common to see technicians working in<br />
closed metrology laboratories, sealed and away from<br />
<strong>the</strong> workshop. That is now ancient history. <strong>The</strong> new<br />
portable laser 3D scanners and portable optical coordinate<br />
measuring machines (CMM) are able to provide<br />
<strong>the</strong> most reliable metrology data for inspection<br />
and quality control anywhere, and in <strong>the</strong> working conditions<br />
<strong>of</strong> any workshop.<br />
In metrology, <strong>the</strong> great innovation has been <strong>the</strong> incorporation<br />
<strong>of</strong> coordinate optical measurement devices<br />
and fully portable 3D laser scanners. Extremely<br />
manageable and comfortable to use, <strong>the</strong>y <strong>of</strong>fer precision<br />
metrology without being affected by <strong>the</strong> environment.<br />
<strong>The</strong> part to be measured can be in movement,<br />
because <strong>the</strong> scanner or CMM can move during measurement.<br />
It does not matter if <strong>the</strong>re are vibrations,<br />
changes in temperature, or <strong>light</strong>. <strong>The</strong>se characteristics<br />
mean that measurements can be made in <strong>the</strong> workshop<br />
itself, on <strong>the</strong> production line, at <strong>the</strong> customer's<br />
house or outdoors. It doesn't matter. <strong>The</strong> accuracy <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> measurements will not be altered in any case.<br />
36 <strong>light</strong>! by secpho
ASORCAD<br />
MANUFACTURING<br />
<strong>The</strong> new range <strong>of</strong> fully portable optical metrology systems from<br />
Creaform available from AsorCAD Engineering.<br />
<strong>The</strong> new generation <strong>of</strong> portable CMM scanners and systems<br />
<strong>of</strong>fers five major advances that make <strong>the</strong>m <strong>the</strong> ultimate<br />
solution for metrologists and manufacturers around<br />
<strong>the</strong> world:<br />
Dynamic references that turn <strong>the</strong> scanner or <strong>the</strong><br />
CMM system into devices that are unaffected by<br />
involuntary movements or <strong>the</strong> vibrations and disturbances<br />
that are typical <strong>of</strong> a workshop.<br />
Automatic alignment that eliminates <strong>the</strong> errors inherent<br />
in <strong>the</strong> manual alignment process.<br />
Smart measurement, a process that optimises data<br />
and ensures <strong>the</strong> highest level <strong>of</strong> accuracy.<br />
Easy calibration in situ that can be performed by a<br />
non-specialised operator in less than 5 minutes.<br />
Wireless, with strong, low-cost targets, which reduces<br />
<strong>the</strong> complexity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> measurement process, maintaining<br />
its accuracy.<br />
<strong>The</strong>se five advances provide unquestionable business benefits:<br />
faster measurements that speed up time to market and<br />
ensure quality in each phase <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> product's life cycle management.<br />
<strong>The</strong> need for fast, reliable and portable measurement systems<br />
is growing in industrial development and production,<br />
especially in metrology, quality control and inspection.<br />
<strong>The</strong> greatest impact is being seen in <strong>the</strong> most common type<br />
<strong>of</strong> quality control: <strong>the</strong> inspection <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> parts produced. Portable<br />
optical technologies are allowing companies to integrate<br />
quality control and inspection <strong>of</strong> parts into <strong>the</strong> same<br />
production process, saving both time and money.<br />
In addition to <strong>the</strong> inspection <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> parts produced, <strong>the</strong> new<br />
portable 3D scanners and portable CMM optical systems are<br />
used in an increasingly wide variety <strong>of</strong> quality control applications,<br />
in almost all types <strong>of</strong> industry.<br />
Antonio Sánchez<br />
CEO<br />
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METRASCAN PORTABLE LASER 3D SCANNER<br />
METROLOGY ANYWHERE<br />
AsorCAD Engineering | info@asorcad.es<br />
C / Comte de Montemolín, 8<br />
08150 Parets del Vallès (Barcelona)<br />
+34 935707782<br />
www.asorcad.es
Cutting-edge solutions<br />
in <strong>the</strong>rmography, at <strong>the</strong> service<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Automotive Industry<br />
<strong>The</strong> automotive industry is one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most important economic<br />
sectors in <strong>the</strong> world. Quality standards are increasingly<br />
high, along with <strong>the</strong> demand for production, which is<br />
why many <strong>car</strong> manufacturers use <strong>the</strong>rmal imaging cameras<br />
for quality control.<br />
<strong>The</strong>rmography is a fundamental tool for inspecting, checking<br />
and improving processes. In addition to being reliable tools<br />
which don’t need contact, <strong>the</strong>rmographic cameras provide<br />
temperature measurements <strong>of</strong> an entire area, instead <strong>of</strong><br />
specific points. Using <strong>the</strong> temperature map and using image<br />
processing algorithms it is possible to determine error zones<br />
<strong>The</strong>rmal radiation is present in all processes,<br />
so analysing and recording it is<br />
<strong>of</strong> key importance.<br />
due to lack <strong>of</strong> material input, welding points that are burnt<br />
or too cold, etc.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> automotive sector, <strong>the</strong>rmography can be used in multiple<br />
applications, some <strong>of</strong> which are described below:<br />
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MANUFACTURING<br />
BCB<br />
Process and quality control<br />
Process control involves measuring <strong>the</strong> temperature<br />
and identifying <strong>the</strong> shape <strong>of</strong> certain products in a production<br />
line, so that <strong>the</strong>y conform to specifications.<br />
Artificial vision can detect a production problem, but<br />
not <strong>the</strong>rmal irregularities. Indeed, <strong>the</strong>rmography provides<br />
much more information to production specialists<br />
and decision makers, adding a new dimension to<br />
computer vision.<br />
Many automobile manufacturers use <strong>the</strong>rmographic<br />
cameras for quality control. New vehicles undergo<br />
a multitude <strong>of</strong> tests for this purpose. Typical applications<br />
include inspection <strong>of</strong> rear window heating,<br />
heated seats, exhaust covers, air conditioning outlets,<br />
etc. <strong>The</strong>rmography is essential in durability and<br />
validation tests.<br />
Hot forming stamping<br />
and forging<br />
<strong>The</strong> hot forming process is based on combining a<br />
deformation operation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> base material (sheet<br />
or billet) at high temperature with subsequent<br />
quenching treatment. While hot, <strong>the</strong> material is<br />
more ductile and <strong>the</strong> piece is deformed with smaller<br />
forces. Subsequent rapid cooling gives it its highstrength<br />
martensitic structure. <strong>The</strong> microstructure<br />
and final properties <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> manufactured part are<br />
strictly linked to a good control <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> temperatures,<br />
times and deformations applied.<br />
Large temperature differences in <strong>the</strong> part or in <strong>the</strong><br />
die during <strong>the</strong> process lead to <strong>the</strong> appearance <strong>of</strong><br />
non-homogeneous deformations that can put <strong>the</strong><br />
manufactured part out <strong>of</strong> tolerance. To avoid this,<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>rmal monitoring <strong>of</strong> hot forming cycles is required<br />
to evaluate <strong>the</strong> evolution <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> temperature<br />
in <strong>the</strong> part before and after deformation, as well as<br />
<strong>the</strong> correct cooling <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> die.<br />
Quality control for <strong>car</strong><br />
components<br />
A reduction in <strong>the</strong> failure rate <strong>of</strong> electronic vehicle<br />
components is essential. <strong>The</strong> only way to guarantee<br />
this reduction is to check each component individually<br />
<strong>the</strong>reby <strong>of</strong>fering 100% guaranteed quality control.<br />
<strong>The</strong>rmography allows electronic component<br />
manufacturers to detect hot spots, which is an indication<br />
<strong>of</strong> defective products.<br />
Additive manufacturing<br />
Also known as 3D printing, it allows you to create<br />
pieces directly from a digital model without <strong>the</strong> need<br />
for traditional subtractive machining tools and with<br />
minimal geometric limitations. Heat is an integral part<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> additive manufacturing process and needs to<br />
be monitored to detect phenomena that have a direct<br />
effect on both <strong>the</strong> dimensional and mechanical<br />
quality and performance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> final product. <strong>The</strong><br />
diagnosis <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>rmal stress or distortions using typical<br />
contact sensors such as <strong>the</strong>rmocouples, RTDs<br />
or <strong>the</strong>rmistors, is complicated or even impossible.<br />
<strong>The</strong>rmographic cameras help to study <strong>the</strong> process<br />
and its <strong>the</strong>rmal properties, correlating temperatures<br />
measured during <strong>the</strong> process with quality parameters<br />
for <strong>the</strong> finished product. With <strong>the</strong> help <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>rmography<br />
it is possible to identify porosity, delamination,<br />
retraction, poor surface finish or dimensional defects.<br />
Comparison <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>rmal dissipation between electronic circuits<br />
40 <strong>light</strong>! by secpho
BCB<br />
MANUFACTURING<br />
<strong>The</strong>rmal treatments for monitoring <strong>the</strong><br />
manufacture <strong>of</strong> metal parts<br />
Heat treatment is used to alter <strong>the</strong> chemical and<br />
physical properties <strong>of</strong> manufactured metal parts, and<br />
is capable <strong>of</strong> monitoring <strong>the</strong>ir hardness or lack <strong>the</strong>re<strong>of</strong>.<br />
A case in which <strong>the</strong>rmography can be really useful is<br />
in <strong>the</strong> casting processes <strong>of</strong> steel mills, both in continuous<br />
and mould casting. For iron part manufacturers<br />
in <strong>the</strong> automotive sector, knowledge <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> temperature<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> iron in <strong>the</strong> casting furnace is fundamental,<br />
as <strong>the</strong> filling temperature <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> mould must be very<br />
precise to achieve <strong>the</strong> desired physical properties in<br />
<strong>the</strong> part.<br />
Currently, temperature control in this type <strong>of</strong> process<br />
is <strong>car</strong>ried out with probes or rods introduced into <strong>the</strong><br />
liquid metal bath, which have considerable <strong>the</strong>rmal<br />
inertia, and can overheat when <strong>the</strong> process starts<br />
from a cold state. So <strong>the</strong> temperature obtained differs<br />
from that <strong>of</strong> emptying, which happens 5 to 10<br />
minutes later. However, with <strong>the</strong>rmographic cameras<br />
we obtain instant measurements during <strong>the</strong> pouring<br />
process, which enables us to operate with a much<br />
greater reaction margin and forego <strong>the</strong> need for<br />
probes.<br />
Measurement by <strong>the</strong>rmography is not only capable<br />
<strong>of</strong> measuring up to 1700°C (<strong>the</strong> pouring point for<br />
certain metals), but also <strong>of</strong> making this measurement<br />
as safely as possible, at a distance and without needing<br />
to intervene in <strong>the</strong> process. Repeatability and<br />
measurement quality is also high.<br />
In addition, with a <strong>the</strong>rmography system it is possible<br />
to add functionalities, such as detecting in real<br />
time when <strong>the</strong> slag appears in <strong>the</strong> steel stream in<br />
pot filling, to stop it before it falls from <strong>the</strong> bucket.<br />
A distinction is made by emissivity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> slag against<br />
steel, signalling <strong>the</strong> slag with red iso<strong>the</strong>rm.<br />
(Top image) Traditional measurement <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> temperature <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> emptying<br />
oven. (Bottom image) Measurement by <strong>the</strong>rmography.<br />
bcb has developed a series <strong>of</strong> solutions aimed at <strong>the</strong> process<br />
control, traceability and quality management <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
manufactured product. bcbMonitor® is a family <strong>of</strong> products<br />
that integrates multiple combinations <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>rmographic<br />
sensors, image management s<strong>of</strong>tware and additional<br />
elements on a single platform, to build a complete<br />
<strong>the</strong>rmographic monitoring solution adapted to <strong>the</strong> needs<br />
<strong>of</strong> each particular application. It is also possible to define<br />
regions <strong>of</strong> interest, record <strong>the</strong>ir evolution over time, programme<br />
<strong>the</strong> selective recording <strong>of</strong> images or videos with<br />
radiometric data, configure alarms, etc.... and communicate<br />
using <strong>the</strong> appropriate protocol (MODBUS/TCP-IP,<br />
EIP or o<strong>the</strong>rs) with <strong>the</strong> process control system.<br />
Javier Bezares<br />
Founder & CEO<br />
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cbMonitor<br />
Process supervision<br />
in <strong>the</strong> automotive industry<br />
TESTING:<br />
• Permeability<br />
• Heating system<br />
• Motors<br />
QUALITY:<br />
• Heat seal<br />
• Cavities and defects<br />
• Leaks<br />
• Vinyl and windscreen<br />
PRODUCTION:<br />
• Welding<br />
• Ongoing control<br />
• Maintenance <strong>of</strong> critical equipment<br />
R&D:<br />
• Design based on <strong>the</strong>rmal distribution<br />
• Temperature-deformation ratio<br />
• Yield<br />
• High speed<br />
bcb<br />
C/Fernando el Católico, 11<br />
28015 Madrid<br />
Tel. (+34) 91 758 00 50<br />
info@bcb.es<br />
www.bcb.es<br />
bcb Mexico<br />
C Homero 538-303<br />
Col. Polanco V<br />
Del. Miguel Hidalgo<br />
11560 México DF, México<br />
Tel. (+52) 55-91 83 05 47<br />
info@bcbmex.com<br />
www.bcbmex.com<br />
Authorised Distributor:
Developments demanded<br />
by <strong>the</strong> automotive industry<br />
<strong>The</strong> automotive sector faces <strong>the</strong> most disruptive changes <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> last few decades. Changes that affect <strong>the</strong> <strong>car</strong> itself, including<br />
weight reduction by <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> innovative materials<br />
and multi-material structures. And changes that affect <strong>the</strong><br />
factory <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong>, promoted by <strong>the</strong> incorporation <strong>of</strong> new<br />
manufacturing technologies such as collaborative robotics,<br />
additive manufacturing and <strong>the</strong> digitisation <strong>of</strong> industrial<br />
processes.<br />
Since it was established, AIMEN Technology Centre has<br />
been collaborating with <strong>the</strong> automotive industry in <strong>the</strong> provision<br />
<strong>of</strong> innovative solutions. Currently <strong>the</strong>re are several<br />
initiatives involving photonic technologies that <strong>the</strong> Centre<br />
is developing in collaboration with this sector:<br />
ComMunion<br />
In <strong>the</strong> field <strong>of</strong> composite materials and multi-material structures<br />
we can high<strong>light</strong> <strong>the</strong> European initiative entitled Com-<br />
Munion, led by AIMEN, where photonics play an important<br />
role in applications related to <strong>the</strong> monitoring and control <strong>of</strong><br />
processes and <strong>the</strong> preparation <strong>of</strong> surfaces by laser texturing.<br />
<strong>The</strong> objective <strong>of</strong> ComMunion is to develop a novel solution<br />
for manufacturing multi-material metal/<strong>car</strong>bon fibre <strong>the</strong>rmoplastic<br />
composite 3D components in a productive and<br />
cost-efficient way for <strong>the</strong> whole value chain <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> automotive<br />
industry. <strong>The</strong> system developed within <strong>the</strong> framework<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> project will be implemented in Autotech Engineering,<br />
a project partner, where <strong>the</strong> new hybrid metal-composite<br />
components will be manufactured and <strong>the</strong> novel system will<br />
be tested.<br />
INTEGRADDE<br />
Additive manufacturing <strong>of</strong> both polymer and metal components<br />
are <strong>the</strong> focus <strong>of</strong> much <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Centre's current research.<br />
An example is INTEGRADDE; a European initiative<br />
also led by AIMEN, which will revolutionise 3D printing <strong>of</strong><br />
metal components in <strong>the</strong> European industry.<br />
INTEGRADDE will develop a strategy <strong>of</strong> continuous and<br />
integral control <strong>of</strong> additive manufacturing processes, from<br />
product design to final verification.<br />
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MANUFACTURING<br />
AIMEN<br />
PHENOmenon<br />
Meanwhile, in <strong>the</strong> field <strong>of</strong> laser microprocessing, <strong>the</strong><br />
PHENOmenon initiative will develop new technology for<br />
manufacturing optics and holographic products in an economical<br />
and customised way for high-efficiency <strong>light</strong>ing,<br />
safety, aerospace applications or 3D visualisation.<br />
<strong>The</strong> project will focus on <strong>the</strong> additive manufacturing, based<br />
on direct energy deposition processes, <strong>of</strong> medium/large<br />
metal parts for multiple industrial applications, including <strong>the</strong><br />
automotive sector.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Slovenian partner CORDA will focus on <strong>the</strong> repair <strong>of</strong><br />
stamping moulds used in <strong>the</strong> manufacture <strong>of</strong> automotive<br />
components using LMD-powder.<br />
CUSTODIAN<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r ongoing project within <strong>the</strong> field <strong>of</strong> laser technology<br />
application, and in particular <strong>the</strong> shaping <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> laser<br />
beam, is CUSTODIAN, a European initiative that seeks to<br />
develop a laser device which is adaptable to each application<br />
in order to achieve faultless processing. It is based on a<br />
methodology that includes determining <strong>the</strong> optimal <strong>the</strong>rmal<br />
cycle for each material/application, developing a photonic<br />
system that emits a reconfigurable laser beam that enables<br />
reproduction <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> optimal <strong>the</strong>rmal cycle and <strong>the</strong> design <strong>of</strong><br />
a real-time monitoring and control system. This will enable<br />
any laser process to be designed exactly in accordance with<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>rmal transformation required by <strong>the</strong> material, which<br />
will benefit productivity, quality and cost reduction.<br />
Holograms can be defined as photographs <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> transmission<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>light</strong> itself. Using lasers, this <strong>light</strong> can be reconstructed<br />
making it appear to represent a three-dimensional<br />
object. In addition to 3D images, holographic<br />
technology can be used to create ultra-thin, ultra-<strong>light</strong><br />
optical lenses and systems with a quality far superior<br />
to that <strong>of</strong> conventional glass lenses. It can also provide<br />
unique characteristics, thanks to <strong>the</strong> precise control <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>light</strong>: anti-fog vision, extreme concentration <strong>of</strong> <strong>light</strong>, or<br />
absence <strong>of</strong> chromatic aberrations and defects. All this<br />
opens <strong>the</strong> door to ultra-miniaturised devices for surveillance,<br />
medicine, solar cell concentrators or more efficient<br />
forms <strong>of</strong> <strong>light</strong>ing. PSA France, one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> project partners,<br />
is studying <strong>the</strong> possibility <strong>of</strong> using <strong>the</strong> technologies developed<br />
within <strong>the</strong> framework <strong>of</strong> this initiative to design<br />
new methods <strong>of</strong> interaction between vehicle and driver.<br />
In addition to <strong>the</strong>se projects, AIMEN currently maintains<br />
strategic research alliances with large companies in <strong>the</strong><br />
automotive sector. This is <strong>the</strong> case <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> JOINTS4.0 initiative,<br />
set up with GKN Driveline Vigo, through which<br />
new technologies are being developed for <strong>the</strong> sustainable<br />
and high-performance manufacture <strong>of</strong> automotive transmission<br />
components. Likewise, DIGI4AUT, <strong>the</strong> alliance<br />
with <strong>the</strong> COPO Group, is pursuing <strong>the</strong> development and<br />
implementation <strong>of</strong> digital technologies to establish a new<br />
advanced, agile and flexible factory concept, adapted to<br />
<strong>the</strong> manufacture <strong>of</strong> components for <strong>the</strong> interior <strong>of</strong> vehicles.<br />
+ info: www.aimen.es<br />
Ambroise Vandewynckèle<br />
R&D Manager<br />
Patricia Blanco<br />
Communication & Marketing<br />
One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> industrial applications contemplated in <strong>the</strong><br />
framework <strong>of</strong> this project is laser welding in <strong>the</strong> automotive<br />
sector, which will be tested by <strong>the</strong> Magneti Marelli company.<br />
44 <strong>light</strong>! by secpho
MANUFACTURING<br />
COHERENT | ROFIN<br />
Innovative laser technology<br />
in electric <strong>car</strong> manufacturing<br />
ALUMINIUM BATTERY COVER WELDING<br />
Compared to petrol and diesel powered vehicles,<br />
electric <strong>car</strong> technology (emobility) is in its infancy<br />
(for example, in performance and range) and is,<br />
<strong>the</strong>refore, technically much more dynamic. This<br />
means that <strong>the</strong> metal parts and <strong>the</strong> metals <strong>the</strong>mselves<br />
are being applied in new ways and/or being<br />
pushed to new limits. But, at <strong>the</strong> same time, vehicle<br />
manufacturers and lower-tier suppliers are only<br />
willing to adopt manufacturing technologies that<br />
are scalable and highly pr<strong>of</strong>itable. All <strong>the</strong>se reasons<br />
favour lasers over many o<strong>the</strong>r methods for welding,<br />
cutting, hardening, wire welding and o<strong>the</strong>r applications,<br />
since lasers <strong>of</strong>fer non-contact, wear-free,<br />
consistent and high-speed processing. However,<br />
<strong>the</strong> demands for delivery <strong>of</strong> advanced functionality<br />
components <strong>of</strong>ten exceed conventional laser processing.<br />
In this article, we analyse two innovations<br />
in laser welding specifically aimed at automotive<br />
electric mobility components.<br />
A key stage in <strong>the</strong> production <strong>of</strong> lithium ion batteries used<br />
in electric vehicles is <strong>the</strong> welding <strong>of</strong> battery boxes. It is essential<br />
that this weld is totally hermetic during <strong>the</strong> entire<br />
useful life <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> component. In particular, this seal must<br />
prevent moisture infiltration because water reacts strongly<br />
with lithium, creating gas and pressure that could destroy<br />
<strong>the</strong> device. In addition, <strong>the</strong> welding process itself should not<br />
cause splashing, since metal particles (as well as moisture)<br />
can create internal leakage currents that could short-circuit<br />
<strong>the</strong> battery. Finally, and from <strong>the</strong> mechanical point <strong>of</strong><br />
view, <strong>the</strong> welding must be strong enough to withstand <strong>the</strong><br />
vibrations from <strong>the</strong> road surface, or even <strong>the</strong> shock from a<br />
collision.<br />
<strong>The</strong> sealing <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> aluminium battery box has traditionally<br />
been done with laser conduction welding because <strong>the</strong><br />
battery walls are thin (
MANUFACTURING<br />
COHERENT | ROFIN<br />
has shown that <strong>the</strong> proper approach to <strong>the</strong> problem is to use<br />
a Gaussian central distribution point, surrounded by ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />
concentric ring <strong>of</strong> laser <strong>light</strong>.<br />
This unusual configuration is achieved using <strong>the</strong> adjustable<br />
ring mode fibre laser (FL-ARM) from Coherent’s HighLight<br />
series. <strong>The</strong> beam transport fibre <strong>of</strong> this laser includes a conventional<br />
circular core surrounded by ano<strong>the</strong>r fibre core <strong>of</strong><br />
annular cross section.<br />
Coherent supplies FL-ARM systems with output powers<br />
ranging from 2.5 kW to 10 kW. <strong>The</strong> power in <strong>the</strong> centre and<br />
<strong>the</strong> ring can be adjusted independently, on demand, within a<br />
range <strong>of</strong> 1% to 100% <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> nominal maximum output. <strong>The</strong><br />
core and ring beams can even be independently modulated,<br />
at repetition rates <strong>of</strong> up to 5 kHz.<br />
With this configuration, <strong>the</strong>re is a virtually limitless number<br />
<strong>of</strong> possible combinations in terms <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> power ratio <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
inner beam to <strong>the</strong> outer beam. However, all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se can<br />
be broadly grouped in <strong>the</strong> configurations shown in Figure 1.<br />
<strong>The</strong>se basic patterns can be varied to <strong>of</strong>fer a wide range <strong>of</strong><br />
processing characteristics to optimally serve a diverse set <strong>of</strong><br />
applications.<br />
For fibre laser welding <strong>of</strong> aluminium, one challenge has<br />
been that <strong>the</strong> material has a relatively low absorption in<br />
<strong>the</strong> near infrared. Small unpredictable variations in absorption<br />
cause <strong>the</strong> depth <strong>of</strong> penetration to vary, resulting in<br />
uneven welding.<br />
To address this, and to provide sufficiently precise control<br />
as required by <strong>the</strong> key-hole welding <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> aluminium battery<br />
boxes, <strong>the</strong> FL-ARM beam is configured with power in<br />
both <strong>the</strong> centre and <strong>the</strong> ring. Using this particular power<br />
configuration, <strong>the</strong> leading edge <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ring beam raises <strong>the</strong><br />
temperature <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> aluminium enough to increase its absorption<br />
at <strong>the</strong> laser wavelength. Subsequently, <strong>the</strong> laser<br />
beam <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> nucleus creates <strong>the</strong> key-hole, which is now<br />
very stable due to preheating. <strong>The</strong> back edge <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ring<br />
keeps <strong>the</strong> fusion pool open long enough to allow <strong>the</strong> gas<br />
to escape. Because <strong>the</strong> key-hole is stable and <strong>the</strong> material<br />
does not solidify so quickly, <strong>the</strong> whole process is more<br />
consistent and <strong>the</strong> process window is larger. <strong>The</strong> final result<br />
is a uniform and constant penetration <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> material<br />
and welds <strong>of</strong> higher quality, without splashes or porosity.<br />
Basic FL-ARM Focused<br />
Spot Power Patterns<br />
Equal power in<br />
centre and ring<br />
Higher power in<br />
ring than centre<br />
Higher power in<br />
centre than ring<br />
Power in centre<br />
only<br />
Power in ring<br />
only<br />
Figure 1. Five <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> basic patterns<br />
<strong>of</strong> power distribution in <strong>the</strong><br />
focused laser beam.
COHERENT | ROFIN<br />
MANUFACTURING<br />
WELDING THE ‘PINS' IN THE ELECTRIC MOTOR<br />
F2<br />
F3<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r demanding challenge in <strong>the</strong> production <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> electric<br />
<strong>car</strong> is <strong>the</strong> welding <strong>of</strong> copper coil pins in <strong>the</strong> stator <strong>of</strong> an<br />
electric motor. <strong>The</strong>se rigid pins (called 'hairpins' due to <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
'u' shape) replace <strong>the</strong> copper wire windings that are traditionally<br />
used in an electric motor. Because <strong>the</strong>y are much<br />
stiffer than cables, <strong>the</strong>ir orientation in <strong>the</strong> motor can be<br />
controlled more precisely, which ultimately results in better<br />
heat management and higher motor performance.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> assembly process, <strong>the</strong> individual pins are first loaded<br />
into <strong>the</strong> stator slots. <strong>The</strong>n, <strong>the</strong> ends <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> adjacent pins<br />
are welded toge<strong>the</strong>r to electrically connect <strong>the</strong>m. When <strong>the</strong><br />
entire engine is finished, all <strong>the</strong> pins will act as a single long,<br />
twisted conductor, like <strong>the</strong> windings <strong>of</strong> a conventional electric<br />
motor.<br />
<strong>The</strong> two key imperatives <strong>of</strong> this process are that <strong>the</strong> weld<br />
maintains <strong>the</strong> correct mechanical alignment <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> pins and<br />
that it does not produce any defect (inclusions). <strong>The</strong> alignment<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> pins is important because <strong>the</strong> exact shape <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> winding directly affects <strong>the</strong> efficiency <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> motor. Defects<br />
must be avoided because <strong>the</strong>y increase <strong>the</strong> resistance<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> final winding, which reduces its electrical efficiency<br />
and can also decrease <strong>the</strong> mechanical strength <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> assembly.<br />
Coherent | ROFIN has developed a method based on fibre<br />
laser to perform pin welding that achieves all <strong>the</strong>se objectives.<br />
<strong>The</strong> first key element <strong>of</strong> this process, which is based<br />
on a standard fibre laser from <strong>the</strong> HighLightTM series, involves<br />
<strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> so-called 'beam oscillation'. In this case,<br />
<strong>the</strong> size <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> beam focused on <strong>the</strong> work surface is deliberately<br />
smaller than <strong>the</strong> total area to be welded. However,<br />
<strong>the</strong> position <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> place is quickly scanned (oscillation) to<br />
cover <strong>the</strong> entire area.<br />
As with <strong>the</strong> FL-ARM laser, <strong>the</strong> advantage <strong>of</strong> beam oscillation<br />
is that it allows more precise control over <strong>the</strong> temperature<br />
dynamics <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> fusion pool. By moving <strong>the</strong> beam<br />
quickly and repeatedly over <strong>the</strong> part, and not allowing it to<br />
stop anywhere, it essentially preheats <strong>the</strong> part in a very controlled<br />
manner, instead <strong>of</strong> discharging all <strong>the</strong> power at once.<br />
All this stabilizes <strong>the</strong> melting bath, reducing splashes, defects<br />
and <strong>the</strong> porosity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> weld compared to traditional<br />
methods <strong>of</strong> laser welding.<br />
F4<br />
Figure 2. Cross section <strong>of</strong> a weld <strong>of</strong> two pieces <strong>of</strong> aluminium <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Series<br />
5000 <strong>of</strong> 1.6 mm thickness that shows deep penetration without<br />
pores or splashes. Figure 3. Longitudinal cross section along a 20 mm<br />
weld bead showing uniform penetration. Figure 4. Unprocessed copper<br />
stator.<br />
Coherent | ROFIN also <strong>of</strong>fers practical tools related to processes<br />
that improve laser welding results in a production<br />
environment. <strong>The</strong> company can supply a laser welding subsystem<br />
that includes an artificial vision system to control <strong>the</strong><br />
relative position <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> focused laser beam and <strong>the</strong> tips <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> pins.<br />
You can watch videos <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se processes at https://www.<br />
youtube.com/watch?v=csUUZouasKU<br />
In conclusion, developing and implementing a successful laser<br />
production process involves exploring a portfolio <strong>of</strong> parameters,<br />
configurations and techniques that will ultimately<br />
<strong>of</strong>fer <strong>the</strong> best welding results. Coherent | ROFIN has both<br />
<strong>the</strong> experience and <strong>the</strong> resources to perform <strong>the</strong> development<br />
work required to identify <strong>the</strong>se various elements. In<br />
addition, Coherent | ROFIN can integrate all <strong>the</strong> required<br />
functionality (beam oscillation, FL-ARM adjustable mode<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>iles, process monitoring, etc.) into a single subsystem,<br />
which is controlled through a graphical user interface (GUI).<br />
<strong>The</strong> ability to acquire a complete and integrated laser welding<br />
system, instead <strong>of</strong> using part assembly, eliminates much<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> uncertainty that can occur when an integrator assembles<br />
a system and finds that several elements do not work<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r successfully.<br />
Mikel Bengoa<br />
Team Leader High Power Laser Source Sales Europe<br />
Frank Gäbler<br />
Director <strong>of</strong> Marketing<br />
<strong>light</strong>! by secpho 49
LASER 2000 EMPRESA MANUFACTURING<br />
APARTADO<br />
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quas were quamusamus 39%, 12% dundam, and 6%, respectively.<br />
con consed est et fugiatur,<br />
High-performance<br />
blue lasers,<br />
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quo ent<br />
Disruptive technology for <strong>the</strong> manufacture<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> vehicle <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong><br />
Globally, China has clearly positioned itself in <strong>the</strong> lead regarding<br />
<strong>the</strong> volume <strong>of</strong> production <strong>of</strong> electric <strong>car</strong>s, with a<br />
market share <strong>of</strong> 2.2% and annual production <strong>of</strong> close to<br />
600,000 units; triple that <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United States. <strong>The</strong> number<br />
<strong>of</strong> electric vehicles on <strong>the</strong> road has already exceeded<br />
3 million, 40% <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m in China.<br />
16 countries, among which are <strong>the</strong> 7 largest economies<br />
in <strong>the</strong> world - <strong>the</strong> United States, China, Japan, Germany,<br />
<strong>the</strong> United Kingdom, India and France - currently participate<br />
in <strong>the</strong> EVI - Electric Vehicles Initiative, <strong>the</strong> mission<br />
<strong>of</strong> which is to accelerate <strong>the</strong> development <strong>of</strong> electric<br />
vehicles. <strong>The</strong> objective <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> EV30@30 campaign is to<br />
achieve a market share <strong>of</strong> at least 30% <strong>of</strong> all vehicles sold<br />
by 2030, considering that <strong>the</strong> electrification <strong>of</strong> transport<br />
will help facilitate <strong>the</strong> transition to a "clean" energy system.<br />
According to <strong>the</strong> EV30@30 scenario, around 220<br />
million electric vehicles would be on our roads by 2030.<br />
Measures adopted by different governments include measures<br />
to promote R&D and improve productive processes<br />
and capacities, facilitating <strong>the</strong> adoption <strong>of</strong> technologies that<br />
contribute to electromobility.<br />
<strong>The</strong> percentage <strong>of</strong> electrical and electronic components in an<br />
electric vehicle is much higher than in a <strong>car</strong> with an internal<br />
combustion engine - a not insignificant figure: motors, batteries,<br />
wiring, complex electronic systems with sensors and<br />
actuators... And each component and each element within<br />
<strong>the</strong>se components needs to be mounted with <strong>the</strong> greatest<br />
mechanical and electrical reliability, with process qualities<br />
and speeds unprecedented in some traditional technologies.<br />
Laser technologies have become an essential tool in numerous<br />
manufacturing processes in <strong>the</strong> automotive industry,<br />
<strong>of</strong>fering product and process qualities that until a few years<br />
ago were unattainable using conventional technologies. In<br />
<strong>the</strong> field <strong>of</strong> welding, lasers have replaced resistance welding,<br />
arc welding, ultrasonic welding and o<strong>the</strong>r traditional joining<br />
processes in numerous applications.<br />
But lasers also have <strong>the</strong>ir limitations. One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se limitations<br />
is that traditional industrial lasers operate at infrared<br />
wavelengths, for which <strong>the</strong> absorptivity <strong>of</strong> non-ferrous metals,<br />
and especially copper, is very small. It was necessary to<br />
<strong>light</strong>! by secpho 51
MANUFACTURING LASER 2000<br />
develop a laser with a wavelength for which said absorptivity<br />
was sufficient to guarantee quality welding, with a<br />
process speed suitable for high manufacturing volumes.<br />
And that wavelength is in <strong>the</strong> range <strong>of</strong> 450nm - blue <strong>light</strong>.<br />
Copper absorbs less than 5% <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> radiation emitted by<br />
an infrared laser. This low absorption is not only a problem<br />
in terms <strong>of</strong> energy efficiency, but <strong>the</strong> excess energy<br />
required to start laser welding makes part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> metal<br />
evaporate from <strong>the</strong> weld pool (which absorbs more energy<br />
than <strong>the</strong> base metal), generating bubbles that give rise to<br />
splashes and pores in <strong>the</strong> weld. <strong>The</strong> blue wavelength has<br />
absorption levels more than ten times higher than infrared<br />
and, no less important, <strong>the</strong> energy required to maintain<br />
<strong>the</strong> weld is similar to that required to start it. In practical<br />
terms, this translates into splash and pore-free welding, a<br />
stable process that is much faster than can be achieved<br />
with infrared lasers.<br />
70 μm thick 130 W<br />
125 μm thick 130 W<br />
254 μm thick 275 W<br />
500 μm thick<br />
500 μm thick 500 W<br />
1000 μm thick 600 W<br />
Examples <strong>of</strong> blue laser welding<br />
with different thicknesses <strong>of</strong> copper.<br />
<strong>The</strong> advantages <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> blue wavelength had been known<br />
for decades, but nobody had managed to develop a<br />
high-power industrial laser at this wavelength. In 2017,<br />
NUBURU® launched its first high-performance blue laser,<br />
<strong>the</strong> AO-150 (150 W), which was followed in December<br />
2018 by <strong>the</strong> AO-500 (500 W), with new models in development.<br />
<strong>The</strong> AO® series lasers combine <strong>the</strong> output <strong>of</strong> dozens <strong>of</strong><br />
gallium nitride (GaN) laser diodes in a single beam and<br />
couple that beam to an optical fibre, 200 μm in <strong>the</strong> case<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> AO-150, and 400 μm for <strong>the</strong> AO-500, with a highly<br />
symmetrical and high-brightness beam. This high energy<br />
density makes <strong>the</strong> lasers developed by NUBURU® <strong>the</strong><br />
most efficient. <strong>The</strong> stability <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se lasers and <strong>the</strong>ir large<br />
process windows enable pore and splash-free welding in<br />
<strong>the</strong> three available operating modes: conduction, transition<br />
and keyhole.<br />
Among <strong>the</strong> multiple applications <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> blue laser in <strong>the</strong><br />
automotive industry, it is worth high<strong>light</strong>ing a particularly<br />
critical one: <strong>the</strong> welding <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> layers <strong>of</strong> thin sheets <strong>of</strong><br />
copper used in <strong>the</strong> electrodes <strong>of</strong> Ion-Lithium batteries. <strong>The</strong><br />
greater <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> sheets, <strong>the</strong> greater <strong>the</strong> capacity for<br />
energy storage. <strong>The</strong> use <strong>of</strong> blue laser in <strong>the</strong>se welds allows<br />
a greater concentration <strong>of</strong> sheets, welded without pores<br />
or splashes and with very short welding times, and subsequent<br />
economic savings. Blue lasers weld copper joints<br />
with flexibility, speed, and unrivalled quality, which makes<br />
<strong>the</strong>m a very attractive option to improve productivity in<br />
vehicle component manufacturing.<br />
<strong>The</strong> tendency towards <strong>the</strong> greater concentration <strong>of</strong> electrical<br />
and electronic elements in increasingly reduced<br />
spaces requires a perfect weld seal quality, without pores<br />
that degrade <strong>the</strong> conductivity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> joint, impurities, or<br />
projections that can cause short circuits. <strong>The</strong> advantages<br />
<strong>of</strong> blue laser over o<strong>the</strong>r technologies such as infrared laser<br />
or ultrasonic welding are evident, and rapid implementation<br />
<strong>of</strong> this technology is expected in <strong>the</strong> next few years in<br />
<strong>the</strong> manufacture <strong>of</strong> automotive components.<br />
Víctor Blanco<br />
Business Unit Director<br />
www.laser2000.es<br />
Jean-Michel Pelaprat<br />
NUBURU<br />
www.nuburu.net<br />
52 <strong>light</strong>! by secpho
High-Performance Blue Lasers (450 nm)<br />
AO-150 | 150W - fibre 200 μm<br />
AO-500 | 500W - fibre 400 μm<br />
Distributor in Europe:<br />
• Laser equipment<br />
• Laser safety<br />
• Optics & Optomechanics<br />
• Lasers and <strong>light</strong> sources for<br />
science, industry and R&D<br />
• Instrumentation<br />
• Artificial vision<br />
• Cameras<br />
• Fibre Optics and Networks<br />
www.laser2000.com
MANUFACTURING<br />
ALBA SYNCHROTRON<br />
<strong>The</strong> role <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ALBA Synchrotron<br />
in relation to challenges<br />
in <strong>the</strong> <strong>car</strong> industry<br />
<strong>The</strong> ALBA Synchrotron is <strong>the</strong> only synchrotron <strong>light</strong> source that exists in Spain; a <strong>light</strong> that is different due to its high brightness<br />
and intensity. It is for this reason that measurements with synchrotron <strong>light</strong> require less time, are more accurate than laboratory-based<br />
methods and, in general, are not destructive. This makes it suitable for observing <strong>the</strong> structure and properties <strong>of</strong> a<br />
great number <strong>of</strong> materials, including those used in vehicles, on a micro and nanoscopic scale.<br />
<strong>The</strong> ALBA Synchrotron can be <strong>of</strong> great help in relation to <strong>the</strong> challenges facing <strong>the</strong> automotive industry, such as how to achieve:<br />
More durable batteries for hybrid and<br />
electric vehicles<br />
Batteries with greater storage capacity plus rapid and efficient<br />
energy release are a major challenge for <strong>the</strong> automotive<br />
sector. Improving <strong>the</strong> different materials that make up<br />
battery components (anodes, cathodes, electrolytes, etc.) is<br />
essential for increasing <strong>the</strong>ir performance. <strong>The</strong> ALBA Synchrotron<br />
is a great specialist in <strong>the</strong> study <strong>of</strong> batteries, both<br />
in-situ and in <strong>the</strong> different phases <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> battery's useful life<br />
and during <strong>the</strong> charging process.<br />
New stronger yet more <strong>light</strong>weight<br />
materials, such as steel or plastics<br />
Making <strong>car</strong> materials more <strong>light</strong>weight helps reduce fuel consumption;<br />
<strong>the</strong>y should also be stronger to improve <strong>the</strong> impact<br />
<strong>of</strong> deformation and increase safety. <strong>The</strong> properties <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se<br />
materials are strongly correlated to <strong>the</strong>ir structure, so <strong>the</strong> synchrotron<br />
techniques that characterise micro and nanoscopic<br />
structure are <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> utmost importance for <strong>the</strong>ir improvement.<br />
54 <strong>light</strong>! by secpho
ALBA SYNCHROTRON<br />
MANUFACTURING<br />
More efficient catalytic converters to<br />
reduce <strong>the</strong> emission <strong>of</strong> pollutants<br />
<strong>The</strong> exhaust pipe catalytic converters on vehicles lose efficiency as<br />
<strong>the</strong>y age due to sintering (aggregation <strong>of</strong> catalytic nanoparticles),<br />
which causes a loss <strong>of</strong> active surface. Synchrotron techniques enable<br />
<strong>the</strong> study <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> mechanism and behaviour <strong>of</strong> catalytic materials<br />
during activation and while catalytic reactions take place in<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>car</strong>, which enables us to improve <strong>the</strong>ir properties and efficiency,<br />
while making <strong>the</strong>m more durable.<br />
Materials for vehicles<br />
driven by hydrogen<br />
<strong>The</strong> success <strong>of</strong> this type <strong>of</strong> vehicle depends to a<br />
large extent on <strong>the</strong> ability to obtain <strong>light</strong>weight,<br />
compact and safe hydrogen storage devices for<br />
adequate amounts <strong>of</strong> hydrogen. <strong>The</strong> Synchrotron<br />
has studied different materials for such purposes<br />
with <strong>the</strong> aim <strong>of</strong> finding solutions applicable on an<br />
industrial scale.<br />
<strong>The</strong> information obtained in a synchrotron<br />
installation helps to develop new<br />
processes, characterise material in situ,<br />
improve its properties and reduce costs.<br />
Please contact us (industrial<strong>of</strong>fice@<br />
cells.es) if you believe that <strong>the</strong> ALBA<br />
synchrotron could be helpful for your<br />
company.<br />
Marta Ávila<br />
Industrial Office Researcher
SPECIALISTS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF<br />
HYDRAULIC AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT<br />
FOR THE AUTOMOTIVE AND INDUSTRY SECTOR<br />
WE CREATE YOUR PROJECT<br />
FROM YOUR IDEA<br />
Custom projects<br />
We provide "know-how"<br />
and innovation<br />
We provide solutions<br />
and pr<strong>of</strong>itability<br />
Tel. (+34) 93 861 13 20<br />
export@micrauto.es<br />
Ctra. Valldoriolf, KM. 0,189 08430<br />
La Roca del Vallès (Barcelona) SPAIN
Automotive<br />
experts
EXPERTS<br />
DRIVING<br />
4.1 INNOVATIVE SUPPORT SOLUTIONS<br />
FOR DRIVING<br />
Laser processes in polymers for <strong>light</strong>ing and interior design. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
More efficient catalytic converters to reduce pollutant emission.<br />
New, <strong>light</strong>er and more resistant materials such as steel or plastic.<br />
More durable batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles.<br />
Materials for vehicles powered by hydrogen.<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
Development <strong>of</strong> prototypes for custom lidar images.<br />
Development <strong>of</strong> lidar systems for real-time 3D image without moving<br />
parts, with high spatial resolution, immunity to solar radiation and <strong>the</strong><br />
ability to coregister multiple image modes.<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
Development <strong>of</strong> 2D images.<br />
Development <strong>of</strong> 3D images.<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
Development <strong>of</strong> a broadband image sensor for <strong>the</strong> implementation <strong>of</strong> an<br />
autonomous driving system for all wea<strong>the</strong>r conditions<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
58 <strong>light</strong>! by secpho
DRIVING<br />
EXPERTS<br />
Camera in <strong>car</strong>d format and OEM for driving assistance and driver monitoring.<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
Development <strong>of</strong> artificial intelligence systems for autonomous driving.<br />
CARLA: open-source simulation platform with different digital assets that<br />
acts as a support tool in <strong>the</strong> development, training and validation <strong>of</strong> autonomous<br />
driving systems.<br />
SYNTHIA: Data-set formed <strong>of</strong> a large set <strong>of</strong> syn<strong>the</strong>tic images, generated<br />
from videogame environments, with automatic annotations <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> different<br />
objects that make up <strong>the</strong> scene, in order to efficiently feed <strong>the</strong> learning<br />
systems <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>future</strong> autonomous vehicle so that it can understand, and<br />
react to, <strong>the</strong> environment.<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
POF<br />
Knowledge Development<br />
Intra-vehicular optical communications.<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
Designs and manufactures customised sensors for use in <strong>car</strong>s (colour,<br />
blind angle, Lidar, communications).<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
Comprehensive photonic circuit development services for multiple applications,<br />
laser radar (LIDAR) for autonomous driving vehicles, photonic<br />
sensors or integrated optical transmitters/receivers.<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
Development <strong>of</strong> systems that improve <strong>the</strong> comfort <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> vehicle: components<br />
that reduce vibration, electrical systems that hold doors, sensors<br />
that avoid impacts against obstacles, etc.<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
<strong>light</strong>! by secpho 59
EXPERTS<br />
DRIVING<br />
Permanent control <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> operation <strong>of</strong> electric vehicles through <strong>the</strong><br />
use <strong>of</strong> distributed fibre optic sensors and special optical fibres.<br />
Real-time monitoring <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> state <strong>of</strong> composite structural elements<br />
through <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> integrated fibres and distributed fibre optic sensors.<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
Laser texturing and design and functional microstructuring for<br />
moulds: decorative texturing <strong>of</strong> all types, microstructuring for <strong>light</strong><br />
guidance, texturing for controlled <strong>light</strong> dissemination, texturing and<br />
micromachining <strong>of</strong> <strong>light</strong>ing prototypes.<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
Encapsulation service and verification <strong>of</strong> opto-electronic devices. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
60 <strong>light</strong>! by secpho
MANUFACTURING<br />
EXPERTS<br />
4.2 INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR MANUFACTURING<br />
Laser processes for manufacturing parts, textures and finishes.<br />
Laser processes in polymers and interior design.<br />
Laser processes for <strong>the</strong> manufacture <strong>of</strong> embedded sensors.<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
Distributors and integrators <strong>of</strong> 3D scanning systems in metrology grade<br />
for interiors and exteriors, even in automated production processes, implemented<br />
in almost all automotive manufacturers and suppliers.<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9<br />
S<br />
3D scanning with portable laser devices for quality control, metrology<br />
and reverse engineering.<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
Development <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>rmographic solutions for continuous and online<br />
monitoring <strong>of</strong> critical equipment and processes.<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
Confocal chromatic sensor for surface inspection, contact-free optical<br />
rugosimeter.<br />
Detection <strong>of</strong> defects <strong>of</strong> painted products by industrial vision with high<br />
redundancy.<br />
Laser protection cabins and enclosures customised for production line<br />
or R&D.<br />
Measurement and inspection systems for screens and displays.<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
Advanced inspection systems through artificial vision. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
<strong>light</strong>! by secpho 61
EXPERTS<br />
MANUFACTURING<br />
High-performance blue laser for <strong>the</strong> processing <strong>of</strong> copper, copper<br />
alloys and o<strong>the</strong>r metals, applicable in new Li-Ion batteries and o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
electrical and electronic systems <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> vehicle.<br />
Peak and femtosecond lasers for material microprocessing.<br />
Accessories and components <strong>of</strong> laser systems.<br />
Laser safety systems and equipment: cabins, panels, curtains, windows,<br />
glasses, interlock, signalling.<br />
Colorimeters and luminance, illuminance and flicker meters.<br />
Laser <strong>light</strong>ing systems and structured <strong>light</strong> sources for <strong>the</strong> detection<br />
<strong>of</strong> defects through artificial vision.<br />
SWIR <strong>the</strong>rmal cameras.<br />
Cameras and auxiliary systems for artificial vision.<br />
Ultra-short pulse lasers for material microprocessing.<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
Laser cut.<br />
Welding <strong>of</strong> metals by laser.<br />
Polymer welding by laser.<br />
Laser marking and engraving.<br />
Laser hardening and tempering.<br />
Additive laser manufacturing.<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
Permanent control <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> operation <strong>of</strong> electric vehicles through <strong>the</strong><br />
use <strong>of</strong> distributed fibre optic sensors and special optical fibres.<br />
Real-time monitoring <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> state <strong>of</strong> composite structural elements<br />
through <strong>the</strong> use <strong>of</strong> integrated fibres and distributed fibre optic sensors.<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
Lenses for laser heads <strong>of</strong> vehicle head<strong>light</strong>s. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
62 <strong>light</strong>! by secpho
MANUFACTURING<br />
EXPERTS<br />
Additive manufacturing technologies for metal parts.<br />
"Ad hoc" photonic devices for manufacture with zero defects.<br />
High performance laser welding solutions.<br />
Microdrilling <strong>of</strong> metal components with thicknesses <strong>of</strong> less than 1 mm.<br />
Manufacture <strong>of</strong> functional surfaces.<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
Industrial solutions based on infrared technology for monitoring, quality<br />
control and real-time control <strong>of</strong> laser processes (welding, overlay, additive<br />
manufacturing, cutting, etc.).<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
Laster texturing, design and functional microstructuring <strong>of</strong> moulds: decorative<br />
texturing, microstructuring for <strong>light</strong> guiding, texturing for controlled<br />
<strong>light</strong> dissemination, texturing and microproduction <strong>of</strong> <strong>light</strong>ing prototypes.<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
Development <strong>of</strong> customised systems based on artificial vision specialising<br />
in <strong>the</strong> field <strong>of</strong> 3D reconstruction focused on dimensional control,<br />
quality control and optimisation <strong>of</strong> production processes.<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
Designs and manufactures equipment parts for inspection (colour, X-ray).<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
Solutions based on artificial vision, robotics and artificial intelligence for<br />
industrial automation. Application integration to automate tasks and improve<br />
<strong>the</strong> ergonomics <strong>of</strong> workstations. Examples: vision-guided robotics<br />
for pre-assemblies and picking <strong>of</strong> parts with complex or variable geometries,<br />
chaotic piking, defect and intruder detection, character reading,<br />
metrology.<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
Artificial intelligence systems applied to artificial vision for classifying objects<br />
and reading characters. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
<strong>light</strong>! by secpho 63
EXPERTS<br />
MANUFACTURING<br />
Development <strong>of</strong> 2D images.<br />
Development <strong>of</strong> 3D images.<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
Encapsulation service and verification <strong>of</strong> opto-electronic devices. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
Manufacture <strong>of</strong> a low-weight, airtight battery box for electric vehicles.<br />
Hot stamping technologies and multi-material solutions to achieve <strong>light</strong>er<br />
body and chassis components with high impact resistance.<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
4.3 SUPPORT FOR INNOVATION<br />
Advice, protection and defence <strong>of</strong> industrial and intellectual property 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
Comprehensive service in <strong>the</strong> management <strong>of</strong> financial and fiscal aid<br />
to boost R&D projects and improve competitiveness.<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 S<br />
64 <strong>light</strong>! by secpho
3D Printing
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