Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing laser beam characteristics in high-speed laser motion systems, wherein the high-speed laser motion systems include a laser for generating the laser beam and a build plane positioned at a predetermined location relative to the laser beam, comprising positioning a plurality of pin-hole sensors within a field of view of the laser, wherein each of the pin-hole sensors is positioned at a predetermined location; registering the predetermined location of each pin-hole sensor with the high-speed laser motion systems; directing the laser beam to the predetermined locations of each pin-hole sensor; receiving a signal from each pin-hole sensor to verify positional accuracy of the laser beam; and repeatedly redirecting the laser beam to the predetermined location of each pin-hole sensor to measure precision repeatability.

Abstract: System and methods for evaluating build platform flatness and parallelism relative to a focal plane of a high-speed laser in high-speed laser motion systems, wherein the high-speed laser motion systems include the high-speed laser that generates a laser beam, and the build platform having a work plane, comprising positioning a plurality of pin-hole sensors within the focal plane of the high-speed laser, wherein each of the pin-hole sensors is positioned at a predetermined location; directing the laser beam to the predetermined locations of each pin-hole sensor; measuring a spot size of the laser beam at each pin-hole sensor, wherein the spot size at each pin-hole defining structure has a measureable diameter; comparing the measurable diameters obtained at each pin-hole sensor; and adjusting the work plane of the build platform to a position where the measurable diameters of the spot sizes are equal at each pin-hole sensor.

Abstract: A system for analyzing large area laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) systems and other high-speed motion laser beam systems, wherein the system comprises a plurality of lasers, wherein each laser creates a field of view such that an overlapping region is created, and wherein each laser generates a non-stationary laser beam; a build platform positioned at a predetermined location relative to the field of view of the lasers; and a plurality of portable measurement devices positioned on the build platform, wherein each portable measurement device includes a pin-hole sensor that receives laser light generated by the non-stationary laser beam, and wherein the plurality of portable measurement devices are electrically coupled to one another to form a modular array.

Abstract: A system for analyzing laser beam characteristics in high-speed laser motion systems, wherein the high-speed laser motion systems comprise multiple lasers each having a field of view that generates non-stationary laser beams and a build platform positioned at a predetermined location relative to the non-stationary laser beams, comprising at least one mounted pin-hole sensor that receives laser light generated by the non-stationary laser beams; an actuation device that includes either: the at least one pin-hole sensor; or an optical device that directs the laser light to the at least one pin-hole sensor; and wherein the actuation device is actuated into an operating environment above the build platform.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing laser beam characteristics in high-speed laser motion systems, wherein the characteristics include laser travel speed, velocity, and acceleration, wherein the high-speed laser motion systems comprise a laser for generating a laser beam, comprising determining a location of the first pin-hole sensor within the predetermined field of view; determining a location of the second pin-hole sensor within the predetermined field of view; defining a travel distance of the laser beam; measuring the amount of time to travel from the location of the first pin-hole sensor to the location of the second pin-hole sensor; and dividing the travel distance by the amount of time to travel from the location of the first pin-hole sensor to the location of the second pin-hole sensor to calculate the velocity of the laser beam between the first pin-hole sensor and the second pin-hole sensor.

Abstract: A laser beam alignment system includes at least one mirror with a surface pattern configured to receive and reflect a laser beam, at least one detector configured to detect a deflected portion of a laser beam from the mirror, and at least one controller configured to communicate with the at least one mirror and the at least one detector and to control the mirror position on the basis of the deflected portion of the laser beam.

Abstract: A testing apparatus for use with a laser processing system that includes a laser for generating a non-stationary laser beam and a work plane positioned at a working distance relative to the non-stationary laser beam, wherein the testing apparatus includes a support tube; a protective window mounted in the support tube for protecting components mounted within the support tube; a reimaging lens mounted in the support tube for enlarging the non-stationary laser beam for characterization thereof; a pin-hole defining structure mounted in the support tube for receiving laser light generated by the laser beam, wherein the pin-hole is located at a predetermined distance from the reimaging lens; a fiber optic cable disposed within the pin-hole defining structure that has a proximal end at which the laser light is received through the pin-hole and a distal end to which the laser light is delivered; and a photodetector located at the distal end of the fiber optic cable that converts the laser light delivered to the phot

Abstract: A feed head apparatus for laser additive manufacturing, comprising an optical housing configured to receive a laser beam and a feedstock therein, wherein the feedstock is for use in an additive manufacturing process that includes a build plate or other additive manufacturing work surface; a first reflective optic for receiving and reflecting the laser beam; and a second reflective optic for receiving laser light reflected by the first reflective optic, wherein the second reflective includes a first region of curvature for directing a portion of the laser light received from the first reflective optic onto the feedstock in a cylindrical configuration such that the feedstock and the cylinder of laser light are coaxial with regard to one another; and a second region of curvature for directing a portion of the laser light received from the first reflective optic onto the build or surface only in a ring-shaped configuration, wherein the ring of laser light surrounds the feedstock and the cylinder of laser light an

Abstract: A testing apparatus for use with a laser processing system that includes a laser for generating a non-stationary laser beam and a work plane positioned at a working distance relative to the non-stationary laser beam, wherein the testing apparatus includes a support tube; a protective window mounted in the support tube for protecting components mounted within the support tube; a reimaging lens mounted in the support tube for enlarging the non-stationary laser beam for characterization thereof; a pin-hole defining structure mounted in the support tube for receiving laser light generated by the laser beam, wherein the pin-hole is located at a predetermined distance from the reimaging lens; a fiber optic cable disposed within the pin-hole defining structure that has a proximal end at which the laser light is received through the pin-hole and a distal end to which the laser light is delivered; and a photodetector located at the distal end of the fiber optic cable that converts the laser light delivered to the phot

Abstract: A laser beam alignment system includes at least one mirror with a surface pattern configured to receive and reflect a laser beam, at least one detector configured to detect a deflected portion of a laser beam from the mirror, and at least one controller configured to communicate with the at least one mirror and the at least one detector and to control the mirror position on the basis of the deflected portion of the laser beam.

Abstract: A testing apparatus for use with a laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing device that includes a laser for generating a non-stationary laser beam and a build plane positioned at a predetermined location relative to the non-stationary laser beam.

Abstract: A feed head apparatus for use in laser wire additive manufacturing, comprising an optical housing adapted to receive a laser beam therein and a wire therein, wherein the wire is adapted for use in additive manufacturing; a first reflective optic for receiving and reflecting the laser beam; and a second reflective optic for receiving laser light reflected by the first reflective optic, wherein the second reflective optic directs the laser light received from the first reflective optic onto the wire in a cylindrical configuration such that the wire and the cylinder of laser light are coaxial with regard to one another within a portion of the optical housing.

Abstract: A testing apparatus for use with a laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing device that includes a laser for generating a non-stationary laser beam and a build plane positioned at a predetermined location relative to the non-stationary laser beam.

Abstract: A testing apparatus adapted to be placed within a laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing device that includes a laser for generating a non-stationary laser beam and a build plane positioned at a predetermined location relative to the non-stationary laser beam.

Abstract: A laser beam alignment system includes at least one mirror with a surface pattern configured to receive and reflect a laser beam, at least one detector configured to detect a deflected portion of a laser beam from the mirror, and at least one controller configured to communicate with the at least one mirror and the at least one detector and to control the mirror position on the basis of the deflected portion of the laser beam.

Abstract: A testing apparatus adapted to be placed within a laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing device that includes a laser for generating a non-stationary laser beam and a build plane positioned at a predetermined location relative to the non-stationary laser beam.

Abstract: A system for removing a coating from a surface is provided. This system includes a laser scanner, wherein the laser scanner further includes at least one laser source, wherein the at least one laser source is operative to generate at least one laser beam, and wherein the laser beam is directed onto a work surface by the laser scanner; and a controller for operating the laser scanner. The controller further includes an imaging device for imaging the work surface; a lighting device for illuminating the work surface and overwhelming light generated by the interaction of the laser beam with the work surface; and a processor for processing information collected by the imaging device and adjusting the power output of the at least one laser source, if and when desirable or necessary.

Abstract: A high-powered laser beam focusing apparatus for use in laser welding applications that includes a laser having a beam delivery fiber for generating a laser beam and a housing adapted to receive the beam delivery fiber. The housing further includes a first internal chamber adapted to receive a flow of pressurized gas; a second internal chamber; and an aerodynamic window positioned between the first chamber and the second chamber.

Abstract: A laser scanner system for removing a coating from a surface.

Abstract: A high-powered laser beam focusing apparatus for use in laser welding applications that includes a laser having a beam delivery fiber for generating a laser beam and a housing adapted to receive the beam delivery fiber. The housing further includes a first internal chamber adapted to receive a flow of pressurized gas; a second internal chamber; and an aerodynamic window positioned between the first chamber and the second chamber.