Laser welding monitoring system

Industrial Robot

ISSN: 0143-991x

Article publication date: 1 April 2002

70

Citation

(2002), "Laser welding monitoring system", Industrial Robot, Vol. 29 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2002.04929bad.011

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2002, MCB UP Limited


Laser welding monitoring system

Applicant: Fiat Auto Spa, ItalyPatent number: EP0370967Publication date: 30 May 1990Title: Laser Welding Monitoring System and Method

This patent relates to a laser welding monitoring system which can be accurately controlled by monitoring the lateral and vertical position of the laser weld spot. The laser spot is where a laser beam is concentrated for the purpose of either welding, cutting or shaping a workpiece, and the term laser welding is used broadly to encompass all of these operations.

The system comprises a laser beam energy source and means for directing laser beam energy from the source and to a concentrated spot on the workpiece, a laser probe source which is arranged to direct light from the probe source on to the workpiece, and a laser beam detector which is arranged to pick up and monitor reflected light originating from the laser probe source and reflections from the workpiece. The light from the probe source is directed in a peripheral path encircling the concentrated laser weld spot.

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