IMA AUTOMATION joins FLASH Project to pioneer future-proof laser technologies

THE PROJECT

Future-proof, Highly Customizable and Energy-Efficient Laser-Based Production

IMA AUTOMATION is proud to announce its participation in the FLASH project (Flexible Laser-based manufacturing through precision photon distribution), an ambitious initiative aimed at revolutionizing manufacturing by leveraging future-proof, highly customizable, and energy-efficient laser-based production systems. These innovative systems will enable precise photon distribution with applications in cutting, drilling, welding, coating, and micromachining.

The FLASH project stands out for its ability to deliver agility, speed, cost-effectiveness, material flexibility, and significant energy savings compared to existing technologies.

Project Overview:

• Duration: 3 years (2024 - 2026)
• Partners: 17 organizations across Europe

Key Goals and Technological Developments:

• Integration of Laser Sources and Beam Delivery Heads
  Development of a single laser module that integrates three laser sources and three beam delivery heads, enabling multi-wavelength emission, a broad pulse length regime, and dynamic beam shaping.
• Dynamic Beam Shaping
  Implementation of adaptive energy distribution for dynamic beam shaping in a hybrid robotic/CNC platform, enhancing flexibility in manufacturing processes.
• In-Process Monitoring and Control
  Incorporation of advanced in-process monitoring and control mechanisms, supported by a cloud-based digital infrastructure, to ensure stable and efficient manufacturing.
• Process Design for Laser-Based Manufacturing
  Integration of process design models using machine learning and a cloud data management system to minimize waste, defects, process costs, and energy consumption.

"We decided to participate in the FLASH project because we needed to expand our perspective and access new technologies to help our business. We are aware that we cannot do everything alone and therefore embrace the idea of collaboration, especially with a multinational team. In our case, the laser technology developed within the project will contribute to making electric mobility more sustainable and efficient."

Fabrizio Colla, CEO of ATOP, part of IMA Automation

Additional Information:

For an in-depth look at the project, read the article on The Economist: New horizons: a laser focus.

Project Funding:

This project is co-funded by the European Union.