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Self-optimizing assembly of laser systems

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Abstract

Laser assembly can be a tedious task if performed manually. Especially if miniaturization of the laser is desired, robot-based assembly can greatly improve quality, performance and throughput, while self-optimization is regarded as a strategy to reduce planning efforts and increase the robustness of the assembly. An automated laser assembly system has been developed together with a concept to increase the autonomy through a multi-agent system control structure. The multi-agent system allows assembly steps like sequence planning, measurement of components and deviations, selection of components, soldering elements onto a carrier plate and active resonator alignment to be handled by the system itself and enables the assembly system to uniquely plan every laser system and execute its assembly within a flexible robot-based assembly cell.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the German Research Foundation (DFG) for the support within the Cluster of Excellence “Integrative Production Technology in High-Wage Countries” at RWTH Aachen University.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chair for Technology of Optical Systems, RWTH Aachen University, Steinbachstraße 15, 52074, Aachen, Germany

    Peter Loosen, Max Funck, Alexander Gatej & Valentin Morasch

  2. Fraunhofer-Institute for Laser Technology ILT, Steinbachstraße 15, 52074, Aachen, Germany

    Peter Loosen

  3. Laboratory for Machine Tools WZL, RWTH Aachen University, Steinbachstraße 19, 52074, Aachen, Germany

    Robert Schmitt, Rainer Müller & Alberto Pavim

  4. Fraunhofer-Institute for Production Technology IPT, Steinbachstraße 17, 52074, Aachen, Germany

    Christian Brecher & Nicolas Pyschny

Authors
  1. Peter Loosen
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  2. Robert Schmitt
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  3. Christian Brecher
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  4. Rainer Müller
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  5. Max Funck
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  6. Alexander Gatej
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  7. Valentin Morasch
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  8. Alberto Pavim
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  9. Nicolas Pyschny
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Max Funck.

Additional information

Alberto Pavim—Scholarship holder of the Brazilian CNPq.

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Loosen, P., Schmitt, R., Brecher, C. et al. Self-optimizing assembly of laser systems. Prod. Eng. Res. Devel. 5, 443–451 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11740-011-0328-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11740-011-0328-8

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