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Herman Burger studies laser beam welding in light metal alloys,
laser cladding and laser metals deposition in light metal
alloys and focuses on providing industry with specialised
laser-based solutions for its manufacturing challenges.
Current research
Herman Burger and the laser applications scientists and
engineers in his group conduct research on laser welding,
laser cladding and laser assisted surface modification technologies.
The group's current interest is specifically in the welding
of aluminium alloys, semi solid aluminium castings, laser
metals deposition of martensitic stainless steel, nickel
based alloys and titanium alloys. In the laser surface engineering
field, research is conducted to improve the properties of
surfaces of metallic components. Techniques to improve wear
resistance, corrosion resistance and surface hardness are
being developed. Although the research conducted is strongly
application driven, a concerted scientific effort is always
required to understand the fundamental processes and in
this way overcome any anticipated challenges.
Background
Burger has extensive experience in laser materials processing.
He is a physicist, with initial research focus on non-linear
optical processes for generation of mid to far infrared
radiation. His work in laser materials processing started
in the early 1980s when he was responsible for the development
of several CO2 laser technology demonstrators for amongst
others, industrial defence applications. This included a
direct current exited slow axial flow CO2 laser that was
used for the test and evaluation of ignition chemicals,
and a fast axial flow CO2 laser producing 2 kW for laser
cutting applications. The development of these laser sources
stimulated Burger's interest in laser materials processing,
and resulted in the development of several laser based prototype
systems for industry on various laser marking, laser drilling
and laser cutting applications.
Since 2000, Herman has been responsible
for the establishment and development of a competitive laser
materials processing capability at the CSIR National Laser
Centre. Advanced processing capabilities such as laser welding,
laser metals deposition and 3D laser cutting was established
and further researched and developed under his leadership.
The group currently participates in two European Commission
projects, one of the projects specifically focusing on laser
metals deposition and laser joining of nickel and titanium
alloys for aerospace applications. Several research projects
for industry is also being supported by technologies developed
under Burger's leadership, including research and development
projects for Eskom, Afrox and Denel Land Systems.
Academic Qualifications:
Burger obtained his BSc Hons (Physics) from the University
of Pretoria in 1978, Cum Laude. He completed a
certificate course in welding metallurgy at the University
of Pretoria in 1997.
Burger's work has been included in numerous
conference proceedings and he has published in peer-reviewed
journals in his field. Listings of papers, presentations,
conference proceedings as well as journal listings are available,
while full text versions of recent
CSIR research, which he authored, are available through
the CSIR's research database.
Organisational details:
CSIR
PO Box 395
Pretoria
0001
South Africa
Email: hburger@csir.co.za
Publications
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