Abstract: Welding quality of a welding section W welded by laser welding is determined by acquiring an image of the welding section W and its surrounding region by means of a high-speed camera 11, analyzing, as parameters, the number of spatters P per unit length and the area of a high-luminance region in the acquired image by means of an analyzer 12, and comparing the analyzed parameters with respective comparison tables created beforehand, to determine the welding quality of the welding section Wa. Information on the welding quality of the welding section W is displayed on a monitor 13. Not only the laser welding quality of the welding section can be determined but also in-process shearing strength prediction as well as in-process fracture mode prediction can be performed, thus enabling quality control matching high-speed and high-precision laser welding.

Abstract: Provided is a high-temperature object observation device including a camera capable of acquiring an image of an observation region adjacent to a heat source and a light shielding device. In the high-temperature object observation device, a light shielding device includes a light shielding part that covers the vicinity of the heat source, a holding object that holds the heat source at a position exposed from the light shielding part, and an actuator that releases engagement of the holding object, and immediately after the light shielding device is brought into operation and the heat source is covered with the light shielding part, the camera acquires an image of the observation region.

Abstract: Provided is a high-temperature object observation device including a camera capable of acquiring an image of an observation region adjacent to a heat source and a light shielding device. In the high-temperature object observation device, a light shielding device includes a light shielding part that covers the vicinity of the heat source, a holding object that holds the heat source at a position exposed from the light shielding part, and an actuator that releases engagement of the holding object, and immediately after the light shielding device is brought into operation and the heat source is covered with the light shielding part, the camera acquires an image of the observation region.

Abstract: Welding quality of a welding section W welded by laser welding is determined by acquiring an image of the welding section W and its surrounding region by means of a high-speed camera 11, analyzing, as parameters, the number of spatters P per unit length and the area of a high-luminance region in the acquired image by means of an analyzer 12, and comparing the analyzed parameters with respective comparison tables created beforehand, to determine the welding quality of the welding section Wa. Information on the welding quality of the welding section W is displayed on a monitor 13. Not only the laser welding quality of the welding section can be determined but also in-process shearing strength prediction as well as in-process fracture mode prediction can be performed, thus enabling quality control matching high-speed and high-precision laser welding.

Abstract: There are provided a laser diode, an irradiating section that applies an output from the laser diode to a base material in the form of a laser beam and thus melts the surface of the base material while moving the laser beam; a wire feeding section that continuously feeds welding wire to a melted portion of the surface of the base material moving along with the movement of the laser beam emitted from the irradiating section; and a wire heating power source that electrifies the welding wire so that the welding wire located in the melted portion of the base material surface is almost melted. In the case of thick plate welding, it is possible to improve operating efficiency and working accuracy, and in the case of welding a hard-to-weld material such as a high-tensile steel board, it is possible to perform welding while preventing deterioration and fracture of metal structure from occurring.

Abstract: A cavity has a longitudinal hollow having opposite open ends. An excitation source, such as a YAG rod, is accommodated in the hollow of the cavity. A hollow, cylindrical rod holder is inserted into each of the opposite open ends of the hollow and is fitted over a corresponding end of the YAG rod. A seal is fitted into a hollow of the rod holder adjacent to a portion of the rod holder fitted over the end of the YAG rod. The seal includes an annular seal body with a U-shaped section, e.g. made from Teflon®, and fitted over an outer periphery of the YAG rod to grip the YAG rod, as well as a spring fitted in a groove of the seal body provided by the U-shaped section so as to circumferentially surround a gripped portion of the YAG rod.

Abstract: A cavity has a longitudinal hollow having opposite open ends. An excitation source, such as a YAG rod, is accommodated in the hollow of the cavity. A hollow, cylindrical rod holder is inserted into each of the opposite open ends of the hollow and is fitted over a corresponding end of the YAG rod. A seal is fitted into a hollow of the rod holder adjacent to a portion of the rod holder fitted over the end of the YAG rod. The seal includes an annular seal body with a U-shaped section, e.g. made from Teflon®, and fitted over an outer periphery of the YAG rod to grip the YAG rod, as well as a spring fitted in a groove of the seal body provided by the U-shaped section so as to circumferentially surround a gripped portion of the YAG rod.

Abstract: A laser generating apparatus provided with the following is disclosed. That is to say, a rod shaped laser medium for receiving excitation light irradiation and emitting laser light having a prespecified wavelength, a reflecting tube having a central axis and possessing a rotating surface and two end surfaces, wherein an inner surface is made a reflecting surface, and the rod shaped laser medium is stored therewithin, and a virtual light source formation mechanism for forming an excitation virtual light source which can be construed as a point light source or a line light source, in the vicinity of the central axis. By means of this, a virtual light source having an energy distribution concentrated in the central part is formed, and it is possible to increase excitation efficiency.