Abstract: Laser processing device and method that stores characterization information representing specifics of a specific laser used for processing a material and forms a model to control the laser based on the laser performance specifics. This control sets a spacing between leading edges of sequential pulses of optical energy output by the laser, that when output by the laser, creates a laser power output with a consistent amount of pulse overlap between the sequential pulses, e.g., 50% overlap. This control is specific to the specific laser and creates a very consistent processing using the laser, e.g., a cut.

Abstract: A transporting system, for laser processing a workpiece. The system uses a metal belt, formed of a metal material. The belt is formed into a continuously moving conveyor that has plural holes therein that are between 0.005? in diameter and 0.025 inches in diameter, and are spaced ?10 mm but ?5 mm from one another. The holes are beveled in cross-section at an angle between 40 degrees and 60 degrees to form a smaller hole size at the outer surface and a larger hole size at the inner surface. A vacuum source is connected to apply vacuum to the inner surface of the belt, to each of the larger size sections of the plural holes. A vacuum source is connected to apply vacuum to the inner surface of the belt, to each of the plural holes. A laser system, directs its output beam towards a laser processing area in an area of the belt on the outer surface to process the workpiece.

Abstract: This document describes the methodology for laminating layers of converted materials to form a precision laminated multilayered structure. With this methodology the pattern in the next layer to be laminated to create the multilayered structure can be adjusted based upon first or prior layer that the next layer is to be laminated to. The next layer will then be precisely aligned to the first or prior layers creating a precision laminated multilayer structure.

Abstract: An embodiment describes a vision system capable of inspecting large areas with high accuracy and speed. According to embodiments, a more sophisticated system is used that allows the camera to see the entire workpiece surface. Prior art devices used cameras with a fixed field-of-view. This causes problems with finding parts accurately all over the field, especially when their locations are not known or they exist outside of the fixed field-of-view of a camera. An embodiment uses our scanner scheme described in detail above that can find fiducial marks accurately over the entire workpiece.) A calibration is used to correct for perspective distortions that occur from viewing the fiducial marks from the skewed angles. The calibration also corrects for various errors in several possible optical configurations.

Abstract: Welding using a laser, which leaves keyhole portions at each pass, that allow gases to vent. That keyhole portion is an area within the interior portion, e.g., an inside of a spiral or a circular arc. The keyhole is not processed by the laser and gases can escape. The laser later circles back to process the area.

Abstract: This document describes the methodology for laminating layers of converted materials to form a precision laminated multilayered structure. With this methodology the pattern in the next layer to be laminated to create the multilayered structure can be adjusted based upon first or prior layer that the next layer is to be laminated to. The next layer will then be precisely aligned to the first or prior layers creating a precision laminated multilayer structure.

Abstract: Predictive models of physical parts of the laser processing system part determined. These predictive models are used to determine how the physical system will actually react. The predicted reaction from the models is used as feedback in order to produce the control signals. These physical models therefore adjust to the operation of the system, much in the way that actual feedback would adjust the operation of the system. However, the system may be used at faster speeds, where the actual feedback could not be produced fast enough. Different kinds of modeling are described, including in-position feedback which models sharp movements of the laser system, trajectory models which superimpose the commanded curve over the predicted actual curve to determine errors in trajectory, and constant/variable energy density controls.