Laser Procesing
Drauz Nothelfer is one of the leading Systems Integrators in applying Laser Technology to Automotive and Aerospace components, processes and materials.
Systems have been successfully installed using CO2, Nd-YAG, Diode and Fibre Lasers performing Welding, Brazing, Cutting and Hardening Operations on Steel and Aluminium assemblies.
Drauz-Nothelfer also has wide experience of designing and installing both CO2 and Nd-YAG Laser based Remote Welding Systems.
Welding
Laser Welding and Laser Remote Welding are used to join assemblies together, either to take advantage of the narrow joint flanges that may be used (typically 8mm wide), or because only single sided access is possible (i.e. joining to hydroformed beams).
Laser Remote Welding has the additional advantage of significantly reducing cycle times, and by allowing Designers the freedom to incorporate shaped stitch welds into the Assembly, improving their function and performance.
Brazing
Laser Brazing is principally used where cosmetic joints are required, such as Roof Joints, Trunklid to Drop Panel joint etc.
They are used for this function as the produce sealed cosmetic joints that do not need any finishing operations.
Drauz-Nothelfer have designed and installed more Laser Brazing Stations within Automotive applications than any other Systems House.
Cutting
Laser Cutting is a highly flexible process, and is typically used for adding holes, apertures or cutaways in standard components to make them model or market specific, a process known as Late Model Customisation.
The process is also used for trimming low volume pressed parts, saving the cost of specialised Trim Dies.
Hardening
Laser hardening is a method for improving the wear and tear behaviour of components. Especially forming and stamping dies are subject to increased abrasion during production, so it is meaningful to laser harden these panels in order to achieve a higher lifetime.
Both steel and cast iron can be hardened with this method. The pre-condition for the hardening operation is a minimum carbon content of 0.25%. To guarantee a constant edge layer hardness, the material has to have a tempered structure. Examples for materials that are well dedicated for being hardened are 42CrMo4, C45, CK67, 100Cr6, GGL25 or GGG70.