Developing a Real-Time Working Method That Improves Process Efficiency in High-Power Fiber Laser Systems

Abstract

The need for studies on new simulation and monitoring methods for interactions occurring during material processing in high-power fiber laser systems has increased. In this manuscript, a structure that can intervene in real time and improved solutions that demonstrate the potential of photodiode-based monitoring are presented. By processing the signals instantly received during material processing with InGaAs and Si photodiodes integrated into the cutting head in algorithms, the method that intervenes in the process by detecting the last stage of the piercing process and the problems that may occur during cutting are explained. The stability of the proposed system has been tested on the most used materials in the industry such as St37, stainless steel, and aluminum at laser powers of 6, 8, and 10 kW, respectively. In this article, it is shown that there is a relationship between the signals observed in the infrared (IR) and visible (VIS) spectrum and the characteristics of the cut quality and scenario. Analysis results of photo-diode tracking signals obtained according to material, power, and gas type are presented. Among the innovations added by the method are related application process improvements, material analysis, and cutting and piercing parameter improvements.

Editorial for the Special Issue on High-Power Lasers for Materials Processing

“…In a second article of this issue, Thomas Will et al report in-process analysis of melt pool fluctuations with scanning optical coherence tomography for laser welding of copper for quality monitoring [ 6 ]. Additionally, Uğur Yalçın and Uğur Karanfil feature the development of a real-time working method that improves process efficiency in high-power fiber laser systems [ 7 ].…”

“…In this Special Issue on miniature optoelectronic resonators and oscillators, we include seven papers, covering different aspects related to oscillating-amplifying integrated fiber lasers (1), calibration method for the resolution of two-dimensional laser direct writing (2), algorithms for weld depth measurement in laser welding of copper (3), highly integrated cladding mode stripper array (4), quasi-continuous wave pulsed laser welding of copper lap joints using spatial beam oscillation (5), in-process analysis of melt pool fluctuations with scanning optical coherence tomography for laser welding of copper ( 6), and a real-time working method that improves process efficiency in high-power fiber laser systems (7).…”