View on the real CLASCO Machine
Laser Macro-Polishing Head
Company: sylas laser systems
The SYLAS laser macro-polishing head smoothens rough metallic surfaces after additive manufacturing. It uses a kW-class continuous wave laser source and an optical head to create a shallow melt pool on the part surface. Surface tension then helps redistribute material from peaks into valleys.
Key specifications
- kW-class continuous wave laser source
- Optical head for macro-polishing
- Roughness reduction up to 93%, depending on material
- Suitable for high initial roughness, for example Ra = 15 µm
- Surface treatment rate up to 5 mm²/s
Novelty for CLASCO
The polishing head enables the CLASCO machine to work directly on parts coming from additive manufacturing. By reducing roughness to a level suitable for further surface treatment, such as micro-structuring, it helps shorten the overall part treatment cycle.
3D Rotational ELIPSYS Head
Company: SurFunction GmbH
The 3D rotational ELIPSYS head is a compact DLIP laser processing head for laser surface texturing on complex 3D geometries. It is designed for a 1064 nm picosecond laser source and generates homogeneous periodic micro- and nano-structures on additively manufactured parts.
Key specifications
- Direct Laser Interference Patterning (DLIP)
- Two-beam interference with tailored optics
- Internal rotational unit for in-plane pattern rotation
- Large working distance for integration into the CLASCO machine
- Integrated on-axis plasma monitoring
Novelty for CLASCO
The head combines compact rotational optics with coaxial plasma monitoring. This enables stable 3D surface texturing in a multi-axis machine and provides process signals for future closed-loop and AI-supported laser surface functionalisation.
5 Axes CNC Platform with noble gas chamber
Company: sylas laser systems
The 5 axes CNC platform provides the mechanical basis for laser processing of complex additively manufactured parts. It combines three translation axes guiding the gantry head with a cradle composed of two rotation axes inside an airtight container.
Key specifications
- 3 translation axes and 2 rotation axes
- Airtight container for noble gas atmosphere
- Argon atmosphere possible for oxidation-sensitive materials such as titanium
- Part dimensions up to 200 x 200 x 200 mm
- Maximum machining feedrate up to 1 m/s
Novelty for CLASCO
The platform extends laser processing to complex 3D-printed parts. Its multi-axis architecture enables flexible access to relevant surfaces and supports targeted surface treatment where it matters most for the application.
MWIR Imaging Sensor – TACHYON 16k+
Company: NIT – New Infrared Technologies
The TACHYON 16k+ is an uncooled MWIR imaging sensor used to monitor the melt pool during laser polishing. It provides high-rate thermal images that can be analysed in real time to support laser power control and process stability.
Key specifications
- VPD PbSe FPA detector with digital interface
- Uncooled operation
- 128 x 128 px array format
- 50 µm x 50 µm pixel size
- MWIR spectral range: 1–5 µm
- Variable integration time: 10–1,000 µs
- Minimum temperature detection: 100 °C
- Frame rate up to 4,000 fps
- Mechanical shutter for 1-point offset correction
Novelty for CLASCO
The sensor adds a control loop to the laser polishing process. By monitoring the melt pool in real time, it helps stabilize longer polishing processes, especially when the part heats up, and contributes to improved surface quality.
High-Speed Laser Process Monitoring Sensor – fastprocessobserver
Company: NLIGHT plasmo
The fastprocessobserver is a high-speed laser process monitoring sensor for DLIP-based laser surface texturing. It captures fast optical process signals during structuring and provides data for monitoring and future AI-based models.
Key specifications
- Optical sensor inputs for fibers
- Up to 4 MHz acquisition rate with 16-bit resolution
- Optional analogue voltage and current inputs
- Four sensor outputs
- Analogue output options: 0–10 V and 0–20 mA
- USB 2.0 communication
- Optional SPS system inputs and outputs
- Fanless design
- Weight: 1.5 kg
- Operating temperature: 5–50 °C
Novelty for CLASCO
The sensor enables high-speed monitoring of the DLIP structuring process, where temporal resolution and synchronization are critical. By integrating optical sensing concepts into the laser structuring setup, it supports AI-ready data acquisition and future data-driven process control.