Real-time focus control in laser welding

A focus control system for Nd:YAG laser welding based on a non-intrusive optical sensor incorporated into the fiber delivery system to detect light generated by the process is described. This broadband light is separated into two wavelength bands. Simple electronic processing gives an error signal p...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Measurement science & technology 1996-08, Vol.7 (8), p.1095-1098
Main Authors: Haran, F M, Hand, D P, Peters, C, Jones, J D C
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical applications
Exact sciences and technology
Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications)
Industrial applications
Optics
Physics
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Description
Summary:A focus control system for Nd:YAG laser welding based on a non-intrusive optical sensor incorporated into the fiber delivery system to detect light generated by the process is described. This broadband light is separated into two wavelength bands. Simple electronic processing gives an error signal proportional to focal error as a result of chromatic aberrations in the optical delivery system. Focus control is demonstrated for bead-on-plate welds in different materials of varying thicknesses and at various welding speeds. The system was demonstrated with both pulsed and CW laser welding. Welds were made in mild steel and stainless steel.
ISSN:0957-0233
1361-6501
DOI:10.1088/0957-0233/7/8/001