LAWELCERC

Engineering ceramics are among the highest-performance material groups. They are characterized by high temperature and chemical resistance, high hardness, abrasion resistance, low density, and low thermal expansion. The manufacture of more complex components poses a particular challenge. Current processes typically rely on filler materials (solders), but expose the entire assembly to high temperatures.
Although laser welding using fiber or solid-state lasers offers the advantage of localized energy input, it produces significant microcracks.
This project investigates the laser welding of technical oxide ceramics. To minimize thermally induced stresses and prevent microcracks, ultrashort laser pulses and innovative heat management strategies will be employed. The goal is to achieve crack-free, pore-free, and gas-tight joints whose strength matches that of the base material.