Integrated Power Measurements In Automated Laser Systems

By Nicolas Meunier, Business Development Manager MKS Ophir

Increasingly higher laser powers are being used in material processing. Laser systems in the kW range have become the rule in laser cutting, welding and grinding. In many of the automated laser systems developed for this purpose, data is obtained to ensure the quality and efficiency of the processes.

Sensors are constantly checking the material properties or visually scanning the machined part. However, the parameters of the — usually invisible — laser beams are not so easy to measure, especially in the higher power ranges. Many sensors are simply too delicate to withstand the laser powers or the harsh production conditions. It also often proves too difficult to connect to production networks, although this is a prerequisite for uninterrupted collection and analysis of the data.

However, MKS Instruments has successfully developed new measurement technologies that rise to this challenge; download the application note to learn more details.