The FocusParameterMonitor (FPM) enables rapid determination of laser beam parameters. The measuring processes are completely controlled from the existing machine programs.
Measure laser beams quickly
The FocusParameterMonitor (FPM) is the first system on the market that allows quick determination of the laser beam parameters in the process zone. Its advantages: It can easily be integrated into the system, and moreover the fieldbus interface (PROFINET, PROFIBUS) provides easy connection to many industrial control systems and networks.
The FPM was initially conceived for laser beam measurement on a special application – laser welding pliers. It consists of three main components: the power measurement unit, the beam analysis unit and the fieldbus interface. These components are built into a stable aluminium housing. An electrically driven closing device protects the beam inlet from contamination; as does an interchangeable protective glass, which is flushed out with compressed air.
The beam parameters in the process zone are measured periodically. These automated checks form the basis for reliable process quality.
In the field
A typical application area for the FPM is the automated periodic monitoring of laser applications – especially in production using high-performance lasers with low beam divergence, such as for example remote welding or the use of laser welding pliers in sheet metal working.
Measurement methods – the principle
At the beam inlet, an electrical closing device and a protective glass protect the measuring device from contamination. The beam coming from the laser and the processing head is directed into the device via a deflecting mirror.
The beam reaches the measuring components via a beam splitter and a further deflecting mirror. The laser power is measured calorimetrically. For this purpose the laser irradiates the absorber for a defined period. With the help of the known heat capacity, the temperature increase in the test body and the irradiation period, the power is calculated. The camera-based beam analysis unit measures the beam geometry and beam position with a CCD sensor. A fieldbus interface lastly forwards the measurement data data to the system controller. An additional PC is not required.
Measured beam parameters
- Laser power
- Beam dimensions
- Beam position
at:
- Wavelength: 1030–1090 nm
- Maximum laser power: 8 kW
- Measuring period, typical: 0.3 s (for beam measurement)
Operation
Flexible in mounting, fully automated operation
The FPM can be mounted either horizontally or vertically. Because of the risk of dirt contamination, vertical fastening with horizontal beam incidence is recommended. Its use is fully automatic. Due to connection to the machine controller, the measurement processes can be completely controlled from the existing machine programs. The fieldbus system performs this communication.
Models and options
For the FocusParameterMonitor a fieldbus interface (PROFIBUS, PROFINET) can be selected, all models are fitted with a replaceable protective glass.
- FocusParameterMonitor image 1:1 maximum divergence 60 mrad
- FocusParameterMonitor image 5:1 maximum divergence 100 mrad
- FocusParameterMonitor image 3:1 maximum divergence 160 mrad
