Advances of OCT Technology for Laser Beam Processing
Abstract
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an innovative sensor 3D measuring system for automated laser processing, in particular laser welding. It facilitates laser beam positioning, process monitoring, and quality control with the required precision and guarantees process flexibility, stability, and traceability. To ensure smooth seam tracking for time- and cost-effective line production, Lessmüller Lasertechnik OCT systems offer the automated recognition and digitalization of joints for precise lateral and axial positioning. It provides industrial solutions for the online inspection of the keyhole to enable consistent and high quality welds.
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On September 19-22nd 2016 Lessmüller Lasertechnik presented its achievements in OCT-technology at LANE 2016 conference in Fürth, Germany. LANE 2016 is the 9th International Conference on Photonic Technologies for an international exchange of ideas, opinions, perspectives, results and solutions concerning photonic technologies in order to enhance the additive manufacturing, the precision processing with ultrashort laser pulses and the fast laser beam manipulation. Dr. Nataliya Deyneka Dupriez shared the successful test results of the OCT-applications for remote laser welding (published online: Industrial contributions LANE 2016) with a broad audience.
Optical Coherence Tomography for Remote Laser Welding
Abstract
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an innovative technology in modern industrial laser processing in particular in laser welding. Performing coaxially to the processing laser and supplied with the OCT scanner, OCT enables not only the tomographical keyhole depth measurements but also precise omnidirectional seam tracking. By acquiring a 3D surface topography, the profile of the joint can be recorded with high axial and lateral resolution. Thus the exact welding position can be detected in real-time regardless of the viewing angle, a change of the focusing distance or the welding direction. Frequency analysis of the measurement data makes OCT immune to the intensive process light. Performing with high acquisition rate and accompanied by high processing rate analysis software, OCT can provide “on the fly” tracking and is a promising technique for fast accurate and cost-effective remote laser welding. Simple maintenance-free solution, robust and small-sized, OCT is easy adaptable to any conventional laser head, it does not require sophisticated alignment and any additional cross jet.
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From Retail Shop to Hightech Boutique
OCT Technology Allows More than Laser Keyhole Depth Monitoring
Abstract
The use of laser processing heads implicates the shielding of the human operator from the manufacturing process because of laser protection. Therefore the modern laser processing is fully automated and robot driven. This necessarily requires smart systems for the precise and time efficient guiding the processing laser beam and automatic online quality control.
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