High-power fiber optic cable with pre-aligned integrated sensors for high-speed process monitoring

Mats Blomqvist; Fredrik Johansson; Olle Sallhammar; Andreas Hessel

doi:10.1117/12.2647108

15 March 2023 High-power fiber optic cable with pre-aligned integrated sensors for high-speed process monitoring

Mats Blomqvist, Fredrik Johansson, Olle Sallhammar, Andreas Hessel

Proceedings Volume 12414, High-Power Laser Materials Processing: Applications, Diagnostics, and Systems XII; 1241407 (2023) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2647108
Event: SPIE LASE, 2023, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

In industrial high power laser welding and cutting applications there is an increasing need for high-speed process monitoring and control to meet industry demands on increased productivity, quality, traceability and reproductivity as Industry 4.0 standards are adapted. The latest generation of Coherent’s QD Fiber Optic Cables has the option for integrated process monitoring sensors and functions inside of the fiber cable connector (SmartQD). This provides a compact process monitoring solution, with no need for installation of additional equipment, where the sensors come prealigned out of the box for monitoring parallel to the optical axis. The water-cooled QD fiber connector provides protection from the industrial environment and keeps the sensors at a defined temperature. With carefully selected and developed optics and electronics the sensors inside the SmartQD connector captures process light at three different wavelength ranges: back-reflected laser light, near infrared (1200 – 1600 nm) and visible (300 – 700 nm). The SmartQD sensors have a maximum bandwidth of 500 kHz, > 12 ENOB. The connector itself is equipped with an industrial electrical connector with either analog or digital data interface. The process data is then evaluated with an external program. In this paper we present welding result on various materials, such as aluminum and mild steel using the SmartQD fiber cable. We present results on detecting weld defects and imperfections caused by for example loss of focal position, misalignment, and material surface defects. Defects and imperfections that are resolved include lack of penetration, incomplete fusion, spattering, undercut, and blow-out.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Mats Blomqvist, Fredrik Johansson, Olle Sallhammar, and Andreas Hessel "High-power fiber optic cable with pre-aligned integrated sensors for high-speed process monitoring", Proc. SPIE 12414, High-Power Laser Materials Processing: Applications, Diagnostics, and Systems XII, 1241407 (15 March 2023); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2647108

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