The Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT has developed an offline programming system for laser material deposition (LMD).
The LaCam3D program enables process developers and end]users to generate tool paths for complex LMD tasks that have non]standard welding strategies. The generated paths are translated into machine code, and can be tested for possible collisions via a machine simulation. LaCam3D is equipped with a simulation tool that can check in advance whether the planned LMD process will cause the laser processing head to collide with the part. The machine code is generated using an integrated post-processor that supports a full range of different systems.
As a computer aided manufacturing module for LMD, LaCam3D’s functionalities are designed in such a way that the process developer and end-user can generate LMD paths immediately, including for complex jobs. The modular structure of the program allows additional algorithms for LMD to be integrated. A LaCam3D prototype has been used at Fraunhofer ILT in Aachen for about two years, and the Institute’s researchers are continuing to develop it.
