Industrial Laser Projection

Projection-oriented Augmented Reality (AR) is a promising working tool. This is an extended reality that also works with laser projection systems. The idea: The projection-based AR environment combines reality with the visual representation of computer-generated additional information. This means that information about the projection is superimposed with reality to form an image. In the future, this will find more and more application in modern industry and will be made possible by powerful projectors and a sophisticated software system. In future assembly processes, for example, components and individual work steps could be projected onto the workstation. The plan: Mark individual components that are necessary for the next assembly step in color or virtually (2D). A 3D model could then be displayed at the workstation to show the employee where the component is to be mounted.

Already today, various industries are profiting from the ever-increasing possibilities of projection. 2D laser projection is therefore increasingly used in industry, e.g. in the stone industry. To saw a granite slab, the contour to be sawn is projected onto the granite. If the projection position needs to be corrected, the heavy stone slab does not have to be moved. Instead, a sophisticated software program makes it possible to transfer the displacement of the laser projection to the saw, thus guaranteeing accurate and fast work. 2D laser projectors are also a popular tool in other areas, such as industrial woodworking. Laser projections can be used as positioning aids, e.g. to assist with stop positions or for the exact determination of rows of screws and nails. Laser projection is not only used in manufacturing, but also in areas such as art (aesthetic projection to complement art objects), military (projection for flight simulation) or navigation (projected information on head-up displays in aircraft and vehicles).

Laser projection is based, besides a complex software unit, on high-quality optical elements. These include special lenses or lens systems or special mirrors for focusing, beam expansion or deflection. Perfect images can be achieved with aspheres, for example, which are free of spherical aberration and guarantee the best imaging results. Beam expansion optical systems are used to generate a desired (laser) beam diameter or to optimize beam guidance over longer optical paths. Laser projection systems also include special mirror systems and prisms, which are used for beam deflection and can be provided with various coatings, e.g. to ensure best reflections.