Specifications include, but are not limited to: Iowa State University of Science and Technology (ISU) is soliciting information from qualified Suppliers on behalf of the Industrial Manufacturing and Systems Engineering Department (IMSE) to provide a blue laser to be integrated into a hybrid directed energy deposition (DED) additive and subtractive robotic manufacturing cell. The proposed laser will be integrated into a hybrid directed energy deposition (DED) additive and subtractive robotic manufacturing cell. A 6-axis Kawasaki robot, model CX110L, will be equipped with interchangeable end effectors including a large-scale polymer extrusion nozzle, a 24,000 RPM machining spindle, and this DED metal additive manufacturing head. The DED system is comprised of three major components: the laser, the laser optics, and metal wire feeders. Typical DED systems operate with a near-infrared (wavelengths near 1064 nm) laser with a nominal power well above 1000 watts to achieve complete melting of metal in a spot greater than 1 mm in diameter. The DED system being built as a part of this research will employ a blue laser which offers better absorptivity for a majority of metals including copper and aluminum alloys. The blue laser and blue laser optics will be mounted on the end of the Kawasaki robot. The optical head should include a nozzle for directing a single wire toward the focused laser spot. A chiller is required for preventing damage to both the laser and optical head. The optical fiber is responsible for delivering the high-power laser from the generation chamber to the optical head. Control of the laser system will be handled by a PLC through a Modbus (Fieldbus) protocol, although control through an analog signal is also desirable. Because this laser is a Class 4 laser system, safety is of utmost importance. The laser system must be equipped with a safety system which disarms the laser if an external switch is triggered. Additional redundant sensors and shielding (not included in this procurement request) will be installed to prevent laser emission while anyone is present in the same room. BLUE LASER REQUIREMENTS; Blue laser wavelength: 445nm ± 50 µm; Nominal laser power: 2000 Watts ± 200 Watts; Laser power and on/off control via multiple protocols including ethernet, analog signals, and fieldbus protocols should be available; Controllable pilot laser for alignment and focusing; Safety control including access to an emergency stop relay need to be included. REQUIRED ACCESSORIES; 1. Optical head tuned for blue laser wavelengths and power (see above) includes provisions for feeding wire and gas for laser welding optical access for on-axis viewing via a camera includes hardware for mounting on equipment 2. Chiller 3. Optical fiber for the above laser wavelengths and power in a length > 8 meters
