Blue Direct Diode Laser “BLUE IMPACT”
A Game Changer for Copper Processing

3D printing with pure copper. Manufactured using the “BLUE IMPACT” blue direct diode laser

The utilization of renewable energy and electric vehicles (EVs) is advancing, driven by global warming countermeasures and decarbonization. Copper is an indispensable raw material in this context. Copper is a good electrical conductor, so it is used in renewable energy facilities, infrastructure, and the coils in motors, which are the heart of EVs. It is said that EVs use more than four times the amount of copper as gasoline-powered vehicles. The subsequent demand for copper will rise, and at the same time, an increasing need for copper processing is also expected.

Shimadzu Corporation has developed “BLUE IMPACT”, a blue direct diode laser light source optimal for processing copper, and is taking measures to ensure its implementation.

The World's First Proprietary Technology Enables a Paradigm Shift in Metal Processing

BLUE IMPACT irradiating a copper plate

This image of a copper plate irradiated with BLUE IMPACT was taken with a high-speed camera. A molten pool is formed.

Shimadzu Corporation has been pursuing the development of blue direct diode laser light sources since 2014. In May 2024, it achieved 6 kW, the world’s highest output with a blue laser (an output 600 times higher than when initially developed). Further, in a world’s first, Shimadzu succeeded in equipping the laser with on-demand profile control technology, which adjusts the shape of the irradiation beam to suit the process.

This provides both high quality and high throughput, which have been difficult for lasers to date, thereby taking us a step closer to implementation. Shimadzu is currently working with a major machine tool manufacturer to apply this technology in society.

Also Applicable to Power Semiconductor Production Processes

As of October, blue direct diode lasers are being put to practical use, as Osaka University and DOWA Holdings Co., Ltd. have cooperatively established direct bonding technology for aluminum nitride and copper. Aluminum nitride is a material in ceramic PCBs, which are a constituent part in the power semiconductors widely utilized in EVs and home appliances. It is used in conjunction with copper (Cu).

Conventionally, ceramic PCBs are manufactured by brazing and etching aluminum nitride and copper. However, this has issues, as the brazing process takes a long time, brazing filler material is very expensive, and defects can be caused by heat treatment.

With this technology, bonding is performed by spraying on copper powder while illuminating the aluminum nitride with a laser. Absolutely no brazing filler material is used, which not only simultaneously increases the efficiency and lowers the cost, but also increases the strength of the attachment, improving product quality.

Comment from a Development Engineer of BLUE IMPACT Blue Direct Diode Laser