METALTec’s high-productivity laser welding project - Transcript
[On screen: Fatemeh Mirakhorli]
Hello, my name is Fatemeh Mirakhorli. I am a research officer for the National Research Council of Canada. I have a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering and my field of expertise is metallurgy and laser-material processing. I joined the NRC in 2016, and I've been working at the Aluminium Technology Centre, which is located in Saguenay, Quebec. This unique facility specializes in aluminium transformation processes and characterization of the performance of manufactured products.
As part of my work for the NRC, I lead various research and development projects, including a project looking at high-productivity laser welding, which I'm conducting for the NRC's METALTec industrial R&D group.
METALTec currently brings together around 30 members from the metal product manufacturing supply chain, from raw material suppliers to major vehicle manufacturers. The main objective of this group is to bring solutions to common industry problems through pre-competitive research projects.
Aluminium alloys are strategic materials due to their unique properties, such as their high strength-to-weight ratio. So, the use of these materials is increasing in different industries such as automotive, aerospace and shipbuilding, namely to manufacture various parts. However, using aluminium can represent a major challenge in several industrial applications because of the difficulties related to welding this metal and ensuring the quality of the result.
The high-productivity laser welding project was set up to develop a self-learning laser welding cell environment. To achieve this goal, we tackle 2 specific challenges identified by METALTec members.
The first challenge is related to in-line or real-time monitoring of the weld quality, using various sensors during the laser welding process. A second common problem that the project addresses is the development of a laser welding technique without any filler metal addition to weld sensitive and high-strength aluminium alloys without major weld defects formation such as porosity and crack.
Our team is composed of a network of NRC experts and unique facilities to drive research that develops cutting-edge 4.0 laser welding methods.
In the high-productivity laser welding project, we are creating predictive tools and techniques for defect detection based on machine learning as well as simulation models. This aspect of the project will result in the development of a lower-cost and more effective manufacturing process.
By conducting the high-productivity laser welding project, METALTec is helping its members gain critical information on cutting-edge technologies and more sustainable manufacturing methods. This project also enables them to enhance their technical capabilities to become more competitive with improved quality products, cost and turnaround times.
If your business is facing metal manufacturing challenges, or if you wish to become a leader in smart manufacturing, I invite you to contact us or to join our METALTec industrial R&D group.
Thank you!
[On screen: official signature, National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches Canada]
[On screen: Government of Canada wordmark]