Integrated Pierce Detection for Improved Fiber Laser Welding, Drilling, and Cutting
Back reflection detection is essential in closed-loop feedback laser processing of materials; whether it is laser welding, cutting, or drilling. In laser welding, back refection detection is used by itself or as a component feature of a process monitoring and feedback system for detection of coupling and spatter events, or gross defect detection. As part of a cutting and drilling system, pierce detection allows for the most economical processing of the cut product or drilling operation by coordination of the pierce with just-in-time cut initiation. These processes take advantage of features used in back reflection protection and fiber delivery technology that interrogates signals returning through the optical channel of the process fiber. As such, these features are built into the fiber laser and provide a multifaceted benefit to the end users.
Daniel Capostagno - SPI Lasers
Fiber Laser Performance and Reliability in Processing Highly Reflective Metals
Historically cutting and welding of highly reflective materials has negatively impacted fiber laser performance and reliability. New laser designs can accommodate high levels of back-reflection from the work piece to provide stable and reliable processing of highly reflective materials. This talk will show examples of uninterrupted laser processing of reflective material and details of the associated laser performance.
Geoff Fanning, PhD - nLIGHT
Beyond Traditional Laser Cutting Parameters - QCW Peak Power and Adjustable Beam Mode
QCW peak power and adjustable beam mode expand the parameters space beyond the typical settings of fiber laser cutting. Here we review the specific effects of the new parameters and implications for Fabricators' productivity. First, the availability of peak powers beyond the maximum CW power at a short duty cycle (i.e. QCW peak power "boost") allows for faster, cleaner piercing, while maintaining throughput benefits of CW lasers during cutting. The additional peak power also allows for cutting high-quality fine features and clean, controlled drilling of high-aspect-ratio holes. Second, adjustable mode beam allows for changing output beam mode on the fly, increasing flexibility in cutting applications by allowing for optimal cutting of a wider range of material thicknesses.
Rouzbeh Sarrafi - IPG Photonics
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