Processing Head Enables Laser Penetration Measurement

Laser Mechanisms’ FiberWeld processing head features real-time direct penetration monitoring via inline coherent imaging (ICI) for precise depth measurement of industrial laser processes. Connecting to the processing head through a dedicated port, a measurement beam is coaxially combined with the primary laser beam. The measurement beam is reflected off the surface being worked back to the sensor unit, where it is processed to measure the depth of penetration. Readings are accurate even while the laser is operating, the company says, enabling real-time measurement and quality control. Output can be fed back into the control system for remediation and full closed-loop operation.

The FiberWeld processing head can be configured with straight or right-angle fiber input, camera viewing, wire feed, air knife, coaxial nozzle and special focusing optics (twin spot and line). The complete system consists of the welding head with ICI, fiber collimator ranging from 120 to 200 mm, focusing lenses ranging from 150 to 1,000 mm, and internal optics monitoring. The head works with fiber-delivered laser systems with power output as high as 8 kW with wavelengths of 1 micron.