Laser texturing for mould core functionalization

GF Machining Solutions

Alexis Demierre - 21/01/2020

This work is partly funded by the Innovation Fund Denmark (IFD) under File No. 6151-00004B.

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GFMS-Laser PresentationGF

GF Piping Systems GF Casting Solutions GF Machining Solutions

Operations Core Technologies + Advanced Manufacturing

(Milling, EDM,…)

Laser TSE (Texturing, Structuring and Engraving)

Laser texturing for mould core functionalization

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Introduction

Add function to already existing

surface

Laser machining texture on mould

surface

Laser texturing

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Laser texturing

From bitmap texture To actual engraving

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Laser texturingDesign Production

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Laser texturingCAD file Engraving area definition Texture wrapping

Toolpath definition Anti-collision simulation Engraving

2 MIN

7 H 32 MIN

1 H 50 MIN

9 MIN

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Power of Digital Design

Gradient of texture : leather retro-engineering + dimples + pyramids

Functionalization

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Functionalization

Friction control

Hydrophobicity

Biological interface

Aerodynamics

Lightning

Reference Femto laser

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Functionalization

Friction control

Hydrophobicity

Biological interface

Aerodynamics

Lightning

"Surface engineering for optimum productivity

moulding processes in high added-value plastic-steel

systems" (Super-Moulds)

Basic laser application knowledge:

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Functionalization: plastic injection

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Functionalization: plastic injection

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Functionalization: plastic injectionBefore

finishing

After

finishing

▪ Plastic ejection can be improved by choosing surface finish accordingly

▪ Anti-scratch properties are also depending on engraving strategy choices

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Conclusion: choice

Matter of choices

Engraving strategy TextureLaser parameter

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Control and Possibilities

Control over machining process:

• Laser power

• Speed of laser along tool path

• Frequency of shots

• Pulse width → matter reaction to laser

• Burst (on femto)

• Energy density

• Tool path definition

• Bitmap texture

• Blasting finishing (laser version of sandblasting)

Solutions

SUPERMOULD project

-10

40

90

140

190

240

0 0,5 1 1,5 2 2,5 3

Fo

rce

(N

)

time (s)

Reference insert

Laser textured insert

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Applied to core machining

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Polymer screening

Showed 15% cycle time reduction during

real-case testing

Thanks for your attention