The 3D-printed Laser Beam Dump developed within the LASER-PRO project is successfully undergoing intensive testing
A new high-power laser beam dump, developed under the LASER-PRO project through a collaboration between two Czech consortium members – the HiLASE Centre and CARDAM – and utilizing advanced methods of geometry optimization and additive manufacturing, is currently undergoing a series of intensive tests with promising results. These tests are essential for properly understanding and evaluating the beam dump’s behaviour.
Power load: More and even more
To conduct the tests, an experimental setup was established to measure the scattering power of the laser beam, the outlet temperature of the cooling water, and the beam dump´s body temperature at six different points. A Laserline LDF 9000-200 diode laser served as the beam source, while a PM160T-HP power meter was used to measure the scattering power.
Test parameters:
- Cooling water flow: 3.5 litres/minute
- Water temperature at beam dump inlet: 17.2 °C
- Laser beam spot size: approx. 10 mm
- Wavelength: 940 ± 10 nm
- Power load: from 200 up to 2,000W
During testing,several observable phenomena were recorded:
- There were no signs of excessive heating across the entire power range – under a 2,000 W load, the maximum recorded body temperature reached 54.5 °C.
- A visible mark was observed at the point of laser beam impact. While it can be only considered a superficial effect (partly due to the limited scope of testing), it provides an important insight for further development.
The currently ongoing testing phase focuses on long-term monitoring of degradation of the internal structure caused by the flow of cooling water, specifically resistance to corrosion and clogging. The outcomes of these tests will serve as a valuable basis for designing the second generation of the beam dump. So far, the beam dump has shown very promising results, with only a few minor issues that will be addressed in further development.
Strategic Contribution to LASER-PRO Objectives
This development directly supports several strategic goals of the LASER-PRO project, funded under Horizon Europe’s Excellence Hubs initiative. It represents a successful technology demonstrator in the field of sustainable manufacturing and thermal management – two areas prioritized within the project’s innovation agenda.
The collaboration also exemplifies the project's core values:
- Translating research into functional prototypes
- Strengthening cooperation between research centres and SMEs
- Promoting regional industrial innovation
The project team expresses appreciation for the combined expertise and dedication of the testing team, including:
Michal Chyla, Ye Jin Oh, Matěj Žáček and Marek Böhm.
A Platform for Broader Impact
The LASER-PRO project brings together 18 partners from Czechia, Lithuania, and Ukraine in a joint effort to boost the European laser ecosystem. This beam dump innovation is a clear example of how cross-disciplinary cooperation can deliver practical, high-performance solutions for industry.
More breakthroughs are expected as the consortium continues to pilot advanced technologies across laser processing, biomedical applications, semiconductor manufacturing, and 3D printing.
Strategic Contribution to LASER-PRO Objectives
This development directly supports several strategic goals of the LASER-PRO project, funded under Horizon Europe’s Excellence Hubs initiative. It represents a successful technology demonstrator in the field of sustainable manufacturing and thermal management – two areas prioritized within the project’s innovation agenda.
The collaboration also exemplifies the project's core values:
- Translating research into functional prototypes
- Strengthening cooperation between research centres and SMEs
- Promoting regional industrial innovation
The project team expresses appreciation for the combined expertise and dedication of the testing team, including:
Michal Chyla, Ye Jin Oh, Matěj Žáček and Marek Böhm.
A Platform for Broader Impact
The LASER-PRO project brings together 18 partners from Czechia, Lithuania, and Ukraine in a joint effort to boost the European laser ecosystem. This beam dump innovation is a clear example of how cross-disciplinary cooperation can deliver practical, high-performance solutions for industry.
More breakthroughs are expected as the consortium continues to pilot advanced technologies across laser processing, biomedical applications, semiconductor manufacturing, and 3D printing.
