IREPA LASER launches the SCAFOLD project to revolutionise the drilling of CFRP composites
IREPA LASER continues its commitment to scientific innovation with SCAFOLD, a research and development project launched in January 2026 with the support of the Institut Carnot MICA. The project aims to push back the limits of femtosecond laser drilling of carbon fibre reinforced polymers (CFRP), by harnessing the possibilities offered by the latest generation of high-power, high-repetition-rate femtosecond laser sources.
Aim of the SCAFOLD project: innovation in the micromachining of composites
The SCAFOLD project aims to:
- Optimise laser drilling of CFRP composites by combining high power and high repetition rates;
- Improve hole precision and geometry while retaining the intrinsic advantages of the femtosecond process;
- Control thermal effects and improve process repeatability;
- Explore solutions capable of meeting the requirements of productivity and integration into an industrial production line.
SCAFOLD will make it possible to study laser-material interaction at high repetition rates on high-performance composites, with the aim of better controlling the process under conditions close to the issues encountered by industry.
Expertise built with industry
SCAFOLD builds on more than six years of IREPA LASER experience in drilling technical composites. This expertise was developed in particular through projects for the aeronautics sector addressing the challenges of laser drilling composite components.
This experience now enables IREPA LASER to approach the project with a concrete understanding of industrial issues: hole quality and geometry, control of thermal effects, process repeatability, and the ability to meet productivity and integration requirements within a production line.
IREPA LASER expertise: from research to industrial innovation
The project is led by Téo, a laser technician in the Micromachining team, specialising in femtosecond laser machining and the development of tooling for composites. He is involved in developing and fine-tuning the solutions studied within SCAFOLD.
‘It's stimulating to push back the limits of laser drilling and test approaches that no one has explored yet’, explains Téo.
The work carried out within SCAFOLD also draws on more than a decade of IREPA LASER experience in laser micromachining, on materials as varied as metals, ceramics and composites.
This expertise makes it possible to adapt the laser process to the properties of the material and the requirements of each industrial application. From feasibility to process validation, IREPA LASER thus supports manufacturers in developing laser solutions tailored to their performance, quality and productivity challenges.
Through SCAFOLD, IREPA LASER is thus strengthening its expertise in developing high-performance laser processes and continuing to transfer its know-how to practical industrial applications.
Industrial and strategic challenges of the project
SCAFOLD is fully aligned with the strategic priorities of the Institut Carnot MICA and IREPA LASER:
- Micromachining of high-value composite materials;
- Development of functional materials and innovative surfaces;
- Optimisation of industrial processes for aeronautics, lightweight mobility and the industry of the future.
For the aeronautics sector in particular, the project explores new possibilities to meet the requirements of CFRP drilling by combining IREPA LASER's know-how in laser micromachining with its experience in drilling composites.
This project helps to strengthen the knowledge needed to master femtosecond laser processes and paves the way for new industrial applications.
Coming next: the next stages of SCAFOLD
IREPA LASER will soon be sharing progress on the SCAFOLD project.
SCAFOLD illustrates IREPA LASER's approach: turning technological expertise into practical solutions for industry by bridging process development, materials mastery and production requirements.
IREPA LASER thanks the Institut Carnot MICA for its support and funding.
