Tracking the contour

In recent years the use of modern solid-state lasers has brought about a distinct increase in operational speed in laser materials processing. Whether with scanners or fixed optics, high speeds - as far as possible in various axes at the same time - have almost become the norm. But although the movement of the optic is precisely calculated, the position of the processing point can deviate from the planned contour. Help is at hand, thanks to a process monitoring system developed by Fraunhofer ILT which precisely tracks the relative movement of work piece and optic. It enables acceleration related deviations from the set contour and speed to be measured exactly and the numerical control system to be adjusted accordingly. The kinematics measurement can be adapted to most laser processes (e.g. welding, brazing, cutting, selective laser melting, etc.) as an optional metrology method.