Conclusion

Laser metallization enables the production of highly complex patterns, with cycle times compatible with the needs of the automotive, aerospace and medical industries. Proof of this is the large number of industrial processes and machines specifically developed for this purpose.

The development of such coatings is not limited to the creation of 2D tracks or patterns; 3D devices also exist, and their industrialization is mature.

Most lasers used for selective metallization are pulsed lasers emitting in the UV or near-IR range, with pulse durations of a few tens of nanoseconds. Two technologies dominate: Nd:YAG lasers and excimer lasers.

The advent of ultra-short-pulse lasers has increased the precision of deposits and aspect ratios, as well as widening the range of compatible metal/substrate pairs.

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