Yamazaki Mazak develops blue laser AM machine for fast copper coating

Six times faster copper coating enabled by blue semiconductor laser

Yamazaki Mazak has developed a hybrid multi-tasking additive manufacturing (AM) machine that uses a high-intensity blue semiconductor laser to coat copper onto metal materials at high speed. The development was carried out in collaboration with the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), Osaka University, and Shimadzu.

The machine is equipped with three high-brightness blue semiconductor laser heads, each with an output of 200 W. This enables copper coating on stainless steel and aluminum surfaces at more than six times the speed of conventional methods.

High-density laser and 5-axis control support multilayer coating

The laser’s power density at the focused spot has been increased by a factor of six compared to previous technologies. This advancement allows for multilayer copper coating, which was previously difficult to achieve. In addition, the machine is equipped with simultaneous 5-axis control, making it possible to coat parts with complex geometries.

Potential applications in EVs, aerospace, and hygiene products

Copper is known for its excellent thermal and electrical conductivity and is expected to see growing use in industries such as aerospace and electric vehicles that require high-precision processing. Copper also has antimicrobial properties and can inactivate viruses, making it useful for hygienic applications. For instance, coating handrails with copper can reduce the risk of viral transmission.

The project members plan to further improve the brightness of the blue semiconductor laser to enhance performance.

Commercial launch planned for 2021

Yamazaki Mazak aims to develop a next-generation hybrid multi-tasking AM machine capable of coating copper at ten times the speed of current technologies, with plans to launch the machine in 2021.