Synova is proud to contribute to FLASH (Flexible Laser-based Manufacturing through Precision Photon Distribution), a collaborative Horizon Europe project bringing together 14 industrial and research partners with a common objective: developing the next generation of flexible, high-performance laser manufacturing systems. The project officially started in January 2024 and will run until mid 2027.
A new approach to laser manufacturing
Today’s laser manufacturing systems are typically optimized for a single process. As industrial products become increasingly complex and materials continue to evolve, manufacturers require more versatile production technologies capable of adapting quickly to changing requirements.
FLASH addresses this challenge by developing a flexible laser manufacturing platform integrating multiple laser sources, advanced beam delivery systems and intelligent process control. The goal is to enable a single platform capable of performing a wide range of macro- and micro-processing applications while improving productivity, sustainability and manufacturing flexibility. The technologies developed within the project will ultimately be demonstrated across several industrial sectors, including automotive, medical devices, e-mobility and tooling.
Entering the integration phase
After more than 30 months of technology development, the FLASH consortium has reached a major project milestone. During the recent M30 consortium meeting hosted by Cailabs, partners reviewed the progress achieved and prepared for the next critical phase: system integration.
This stage marks the transition from the development of individual technologies to the assembly of a complete manufacturing platform. The different laser sources, beam delivery systems and processing technologies developed by the consortium will now be integrated and validated together under representative industrial conditions.
Synova’s contribution
Within FLASH, Synova is responsible for delivering three laser sources that will be integrated with the advanced laser processing heads developed in collaboration with Cailabs. This integration represents an important step toward demonstrating the performance, precision and flexibility of the complete platform.
The next phase of the project will focus on machine integration trials and the evaluation of representative industrial demonstrator components at AltForm. These validation activities will confirm the platform’s ability to perform multiple laser manufacturing processes within a single, flexible system.
Looking ahead
As FLASH enters its final development stage, Synova remains committed to advancing innovative laser technologies that address the evolving needs of modern manufacturing.
We are proud to collaborate with leading European industrial and research partners to help shape the future of flexible laser manufacturing and look forward to sharing further project milestones as the demonstrations progress.
