Intelligent personal protective clothing for the use with high-power hand-held laser processing devices
N°NMP2-SE-2009-229165
PROSYS-Laser is dedicated to developing highly innovative “passive” and “active” laser protective clothing for use with hand-held laser processing devices (HLD) and curtains for use with automated laser machines, which are not available on the market today.
The major project objectives are: a) to open new markets for high performance PPE and its testing, especially encouraging participating SMEs to widen their product range and directly benefit from project developments and prototypes, b) to sustain the growth of laser technology by providing means for the safe use of innovative developments such as hand-held laser devices for material processing and high power lasers with high brightness, c) to minimize health risks for the operators of HLD and automated laser machines, and consequently to reduce the number of related accidents, d) to contribute to the standardization process regarding laser PPE and PPE testing procedures.
The approach to reach these objectives is to combine innovative laser technology with high performance textile technology. This is also reflected in the consortium containing 9 SMEs, which represents a goal-orientated combination of different competencies and skills. Key developments are: a) passive functional multi-layer technical textiles, providing a high level of passive laser resistance, b) active functional multi-layer textiles incorporating sensors which detect laser exposure and, by means of safety control, deactivate the laser beam automatically, c) test methods and testing set-ups to qualify passive and active functional technical textiles and tailored PPE (e.g. gloves), respectively.
Major impacts can be expected on the Lead Market Initiative:
a) Create new, high-performance products by combining both the highly innovative laser and the textile industry,
b) increase overall EU productivity,
c) reduce losses to society caused by accidents,
d) strengthen the market by standardization activities,
e) enhance a high-tech, knowledge-based industry driven by SMEs.
