The Laserzentrum Hannover LZH, which develops complete laser system technology with the associated optimized processes, also presented laser system technology for unusual challenges at the Hannover Messe 2023 from 17 - 21 April 2023 - from build-up welding to 3D printing on the moon.the "Moonrise" project is investigating the possibilities of 3D printing on the moon. Additive manufacturing with moon dust directly on the Earth's satellite - for this goal, the LZH is developing a laser according to strict specifications as well as the associated customized processes to print moon dust under lunar gravity (Fig. 1).
Fig. 1: Lasers for space: LZH presents individual system technology at Hannover Messe 2023 Highly specialized laser system technology is also used in industry. For example, flexible laser cladding is used to increase the service life of highly stressed components, such as injection molds, or in lightweight construction, where it can be used to join large areas of plastic to plastic or metal. At the trade fair, the LZH showed how solutions for very special requirements can also be realized in an industrially suitable manner (Fig. 2). At Niedersachsen Additiv, the focus is on research transfer. The project supports companies that want to integrate 3D printing into their production or develop it further in a practical and needs-oriented manner - free of charge and independent of manufacturers. At the Hannover Messe, offers for companies from Lower Saxony were presented and discussions were held with interested companies. The LZH was also a partner and co-organizer of the Technology & Business Cooperation Days of the Enterprise Europe Network (een), which took place as part of the Hannover Messe. At the contact exchange, companies and research institutions were able to come into contact with each other, exchange ideas and thus find partners for research and technology cooperation. The LZH was also represented with presentations at the tech transfer forum
Fig. 2: The LZH develops highly specialized laser system technology for industry - such as this laser welding head with nine individual spots for large-area joining of plastic As an independent, non-profit research institute, the Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH) stands for innovative research, development and consulting. Funded by the Lower Saxony Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour, Transport and Digitalization, the LZH is dedicated to the selfless promotion of applied research in the field of photonics and laser technology. Founded in 1986, almost 200 employees now work at the LZH. With its applications of smart photonics, the LZH offers solutions to current and future challenges. Interdisciplinary work is carried out jointly along the process chain: from component development for specific laser systems or for quantum technologies to process developments for a wide variety of laser applications, for example for medical and agricultural technology or for lightweight construction in the automotive sector. 18 successful spin-offs have emerged from the LZH to date. The LZH thus creates a strong transfer between basic science, application-oriented research and industry - and uses light for innovation.
