Abstract: Various embodiments directed towards methods of applying sizing to fibers are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, solvent can be used to dissolve a sizing material into a solution, which can then be used to coat the fibers. In some embodiments, a water bath is used to coagulate a sizing on the fiber surface and to remove the remove solvent after coating the fibers, so that water vapor can be created during a subsequent drying step as opposed to solvent vapors. In some embodiments, strong acids or strong bases can be used as the solvent.

Abstract: A method to prepare a self-decontaminating surface, where that method includes disposing a first coating on a surface, where that first coating comprises an organosilane, and disposing a second coating over the first coating, where the second coating comprises TiO2.

Abstract: Apparatus and techniques are described, such as for obtaining information indicative of an acoustic characteristic of a formation, including using a transducer assembly, comprising a base plate, a first piezoelectric slab and a second piezoelectric slab. The base plate includes a first region extending axially in a first direction beyond the first and second piezoelectric slabs along a specified axis of the base plate and a second region extending axially in a second direction, opposite the first direction, beyond the first and second piezoelectric slabs. In various examples, a length of the first region along the specified axis is different than a length of the second region to provide an asymmetric configuration. In various examples, an anchoring element is mechanically coupled to the base plate at a location corresponding to a node location of a specified acoustic vibration mode.

Abstract: A vibratory apparatus including a trough having one or more decks, with an inlet end and an outlet end, a first plurality of isolation springs disposed between the trough and ground, and a two-mass, sub-resonant frequency exciter supported on the trough. The trough and the exciter move 180-degrees out of phase with each other. The apparatus also includes a dynamic balancer including a plurality of isolation springs disposed between the exciter and ground.

Abstract: An inspection system is configured for use with a conveyer apparatus including carrier bars. Each carrier bar conveys pellet-shaped articles along a predetermined path. The inspection system includes at least one camera unit for sensing a predetermined characteristic of the pellet-shaped articles, a removal unit, and a controller. The removal unit, downstream from the at least one camera unit, removes selected pellet-shaped article(s) from the carrier bar(s) depending on whether the characteristic is sensed by the at least one camera unit. The controller is in communication with the at least one camera unit and the removal unit. The controller provides a signal to the removal unit in accordance with the sensed characteristic. The removal unit includes a rotatable ejection drum having extended vacuum nozzles along its length, equal to the number of articles conveyed in each carrier bar. Each vacuum nozzle selectively removes article(s) from the carrier bar(s) by suction.

Abstract: A collector for collecting wash liquid from an engine washing operation include a frame; a height adjustable and expandable droplet separator package connected to the frame, the droplet separator package to receive a flow of wash liquid entrained in an airstream emanating from an engine; a height adjustable and extendable chute with side walls and a scissor lift, the chute connected to the droplet separator package and extending at least partially under an engine to collect liquid exiting the engine; a collector tank connected to the frame to collect liquid from the droplet separator package and the chute; and a drainage pipe connecting at least one of the chute and the droplet separator to the collector tank.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a wearable monitoring device worn by a user and information indicative of an amount of time the wearable monitoring device was exposed to an environment; extracting one or more compounds from the wearable monitoring device; analyzing the extracted compounds; and, based on the analysis of the extracted compounds and the information indicative of the amount of time, determining information indicative of the user's exposure to the compounds in the environment.

Abstract: Elemental fluorine is often manufactured electrochemically from a solution of KF in hydrogen fluoride and contains varying amounts of HF as impurity. The present invention provides a method for chamber cleaning using F2 which contains more than 0.1% by weight and equal to or less than 10% by weight of HF. Surprisingly, such an F2 is very well suited for the purpose of chamber cleaning. In a preferred embodiment, the F2 which contains more than 0.1% by weight and less than 2.5% by weight of HF is electrolytically produced, cleaned, delivered and used on site, without any pressurizing treatment. Omitting cleaning steps and process and using process conditions leaving a relatively high HF content in the F2 allows at the same time to omit pressurizing steps. The advantage is that less cleaning steps.

Abstract: Clearing of apertures by plasma jets is described herein. One disclosed method includes applying a pulsed voltage to electrodes proximate an aperture of a surface to substantially clear the aperture of debris.

Abstract: A gas discharger connected to a source of pressurized gas comprises a gas channel that is opened to discharge the pressurized gas. A vacuum source can be separately or simultaneously operable with the gas discharger by using the pressurized gas or by using electrical power.

Abstract: In an applicator assembly for applying a fluid in which the applicator assembly defines at least a portion of a flow path, the assembly may comprise an upstream fluid source, a downstream applicator for forming a point of application, a conduit generally connecting the fluid source to the applicator, an orifice structure defining an orifice opening configured such that fluid flowing along the flow path passes through the orifice opening, and an orifice inverting structure configured to reverse flow through the orifice opening of the orifice structure.

Abstract: A centrifugally cast composite roll for hot rolling comprising an outer layer having a composition comprising by mass 0.8-3.5% of C, 0.1-2.5% of Si, 0.1-2.5% of Mn, 1.2-15% of Cr, 1-5% of Ni, and 1-10% of Mo+0.5×W, the balance being substantially Fe and inevitable impurities, and an inner layer made of an iron-based alloy and integrally fused to the outer layer; the outer layer having Shore hardness of 67-82 at the initial diameter of the composite roll; and the maximum Shore hardness of the outer layer in a range 30 mm or more deep from the initial diameter being higher by 1 or more than the Shore hardness of the outer layer at the initial diameter.

Abstract: Electric resistance welded steel pipe excellent in deformability and fatigue properties after quenching which enables working into complicated shapes without spheroidization and which improves the fatigue properties after cold working and quenching without carburization are provided. The electric resistance welded steel pipe is characterized by containing, by mass %, C: 0.15 to 0.55%, Si: 0.01 to 0.30%, Mn: 0.5 to 1.5%, Ca: 0.0010 to 0.0030%, S: 0.0005 to 0.0050%, and O: 0.0005 to 0.0050%, having contents of Ca, O, and S satisfying 0.10?[Ca](1?124[O])/1.25[S]?2.50, having Ca-based inclusions present at the base material and electric resistance weld zone with an average particle size of 1.0 to 10 ?m and a density of 3 to 300/mm2, and having a difference ?Hv of the maximum hardness of the electric resistance weld zone and the average hardness of the base material part satisfying 100 to 500.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved metal strips straightener, including an infeed device and a pressure frame. The infeed device has one or more leveling rollers, and the pressure frame has a roller frame. The roller frame has one or more roller blocks to bring a metal strip into a upward full encirclement wrap. Each roller block is attached with a camshaft, where each camshaft is connected to a motorized drive system. Rotation of the camshafts actuates the roller blocks to move the metal strips, applying pressure on the metal strips during the passing through of the roller blocks. A closing cylinder is attached to one end of a roller block, where the closing cylinder has a convex contact surface. Multiple roller blocks are connected to each adjacent roller blocks via their connected closing cylinders.

Abstract: The current invention refers to a paintless dent removal tip having a rare earth magnetic sphere which is free to rotate within a mounting cup and attach itself to the inside of a motor vehicle panel at a point on the magnet dictated by its polarity, so that maximum magnetic flux attracts a ferromagnetic ball trace on the panel's outer surface, indicating the exact position of the part of the magnet touching the panel, regardless of the angle at which the tip is held, and so showing the user where to apply pressure to remove a dent.

Abstract: A method of bending a sheet of metal using a press brake includes pivoting die holders during the bending operation so bends can be made in opposite directions without having to turn over or flip over the sheet of metal. In the method a first die holder is driven downward toward a second die to thereby create a bend in the metal sheet when the first and second dies come together. The first die holder and the first die are then retracted away from a second die holder and the second die. The die holders are moved, preferably rotated, to a second position in which the first die holder is located over the second die holder. Then the second die holder is driven downward toward the first die to thereby create a second bend in the metal sheet when the first and second dies come together.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a metal blank is provided including a metal sheet having a surface including at least one pair of channels defined therein. Each channel may have a first portion extending from an edge of the blank and a second portion in an interior of the blank. The second portion may be wider than the first portion. The blank may include at least one pair of thermocouple wires, with one wire being attached to each second portion. An adhesive material may be disposed in each second portion. The wires may be attached by welding and the adhesive material may be a metallic composite adhesive. The disclosed blank may be used to calibrate or otherwise assess a process where the blank is being heated or cooled, such as aluminum hot-stamping.

Abstract: A multi-forming device is disclosed.

Abstract: A die apparatus includes a first die and a second die which are respectively used in adjacent working stations that sequentially blank or stamp out a progressively fed thin metal sheet. The first and second dies are held in a state where outer peripheral surfaces of the first and second dies directly contact each other.

Abstract: A metal plate stamping method is provided for cutting a metal plate, on which a bulging portion is formed through stamping, at a cutting area that is defined in a portion other than the bulging portion. The method includes forming a bead on the opposite side of the cutting area from the bulging portion and crushing the bead prior to the cutting of the metal plate.

Abstract: A metal part is hot formed by placing a metal part blank on a forming tool and installing a fabric cover over the forming tool, overlying the metal part blank. The fabric is at least partially wrapped around the metal part blank. The metal part blank is heated to a temperature sufficient to allow forming of the metal part blank. Forming pressure is applied to the metal part blank that conforms the metal part blank to the forming tool by tensioning the fabric.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a rectangular tube having a stepped portion includes: forming V-shaped grooves on a rectangular tube at surfaces of an end thereof in a direction parallel to a longitudinal direction thereof; and pressing each of the surfaces having the V-shaped grooves formed thereon from outside to inside, whereby the end of the rectangular tube is radially reduced.

Abstract: A vacuum port assembly is provided for a press system including a die assembly and a transfer assembly. The transfer assembly includes a conveyor belt, a vacuum manifold coupled to the die assembly, and an airflow generator. The conveyor belt includes a plurality of holes for receiving and moving shells in a plane with respect to the die assembly. The vacuum port assembly includes at least one port member including inlet and outlet ends. The inlet end has amounting portion for removably coupling the port member to the vacuum manifold. The outlet end is in fluid communication with the airflow generator, thereby establishing fluid communication between the airflow generator and the vacuum manifold. The inlet end extends outwardly from the vacuum manifold generally perpendicular with respect to the plane of the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A plate-shaped workpiece forming method of post-machining a pocket (3) on a curved inner surface of a plate-shaped workpiece (2) in a state where the plate-shaped workpiece (2) curved by a curving machine (10) is spread flat. The method includes a curving step (A) of setting a net curve radius (R0) obtained by adding a curve radius contraction amount (R1) due to spring-in to a finished curve radius (R) of a plate-shaped workpiece (2), taking into account an amount of contraction of the curve radius of the plate-shaped workpiece (2) between before and after machining of a pocket (3) due to spring-in, and curving the plate-shaped workpiece (2) so as to achieve the net curve radius (R0); and a pocket machining step of post-machining the pocket (3) by flatly spreading the curved plate-shaped workpiece (2).

Abstract: The die forming process includes first passing a circular coarse thread cutter over the forming surface of the die at an angle away from parallel to a side edge matching a pitch for coarse threads to be formed by the die. In a first cutting step, the coarse thread cutter forms upper portions of crests in the forming surface of the die. In a further step, a fine thread cutter is then utilized to cut portions of the root of the dual threaded die, leaving a bridge within the root. The fine thread cutter is angled relative to the crests formed in the first step. The fine thread cutter cuts at a variable depth as the fine thread cutter advances along the root between the crests to form two flanks on sides of the bridge within the root.

Abstract: An electromechanical actuator housing assembly comprising a reinforcement ring is disclosed herein. The design of the electromechanical actuator housing assembly may be directed to improving load measurement accuracy. The design of the electromechanical actuator housing assembly may be directed to reducing housing deflections. A method of manufacture of an EMA housing assembly is also disclosed herein. This method may include an electromechanical actuator housing assembly having a reinforcement ring.

Abstract: A modular spruing system apparatus contains a base section, a main sprue cone, a center rod, a plurality of trunk sections, a plurality of arm sections, and an end cap. The main sprue cone is mounted onto the base section. The center rod centrally traverses through the base section and the main sprue cone so that the user can design a spruing tree of desired height. A center rod receiving hole of each of the plurality of trunk sections allows the center rod to traverse through the plurality of trunk sections when removably attached to each other. Next, the plurality of arm sections is attached to the plurality of branch sections. The plurality of arm sections can be fixed or removably attached to the plurality of branch sections. When the desired height is reached, the plurality of trunk sections is fastened together with the end cap.

Abstract: An improved shot sleeve for high pressure die casting of low-iron aluminum silicon alloys and a method of making the shot sleeve, the shot sleeve includes a top portion including a pouring hole and a bottom portion including an impingement site on an inner surface of the bottom portion opposite the pouring hole. The impingement site is constructed of an erosion resistant material. The erosion resistant material is selected from: titanium, tungsten, molybdenum, ruthenium, tantalum, niobium, chromium, vanadium, zirconium, hafnium, boron or a secondary, tertiary or quaternary alloy formed from combination thereof. An erosion resistant insert located at an impingement site of a shot sleeve may accomplish the construction. The insert may be introduced into an internal surface of a conventional shot sleeve or replace a bottom portion of a conventional shot sleeve.

Abstract: A castable, moldable, or extrudable structure using a metallic base metal or base metal alloy. One or more insoluble additives are added to the metallic base metal or base metal alloy so that the grain boundaries of the castable, moldable, or extrudable structure includes a composition and morphology to achieve a specific galvanic corrosion rates partially or throughout the structure or along the grain boundaries of the structure. The insoluble additives can be used to enhance the mechanical properties of the structure, such as ductility and/or tensile strength. The insoluble particles generally have a submicron particle size. The final structure can be enhanced by heat treatment, as well as deformation processing such as extrusion, forging, or rolling, to further improve the strength of the final structure as compared to the non-enhanced structure.

Abstract: A linear conveyer includes a stationary module and a slider. The stationary module includes a frame extending linearly, a stator including armature coils and fixed to the frame, a rail, and a magnetic sensor. The slider movable along the rail with a driving linear motor includes magnetic poles, a rail guide fitted on the rail, and a magnetic scale. The magnetic scale includes a plastic magnet having magnetic poles and extending along an extending direction in which the rail extends, and a back yoke where the plastic magnet is placed. A position of the slider is detected by the magnetic sensor and the magnetic scale. The plastic magnet has a fixed portion that is fixed with respect to the back yoke and a portion other than the fixed portion, the portion being movable relative to the back yoke along an extending direction in which the magnetic scale extends.

Abstract: Slide closure for a vessel containing molten metal includes a slide housing and a slide unit that can be displaced longitudinally towards the slide housing, at least one refractory closure plate can respectively be inserted into the slide housing. The closure plates can be pressed against one another by the slide unit being braced against the slide housing. The closure plates can respectively be fixed or centered therein by a placement device having a displaceable positioning element. These placement devices are respectively designed such that upon bracing the slide unit against the slide housing, placing of the positioning element and clamping or centering of the respective closure plate is brought about therein. Therefore, despite easier operation, increased operating reliability is guaranteed because the closure plates are clamped and centered mechanically.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment relates to a submerged entry nozzle (SEN) for use in metallurgy, in particular for transporting a metal melt from a first metallurgical unit to a second metallurgical unit, for example during slab production in continuous casting of ferrous and non-ferrous melts. The SEN is called nozzle hereinafter.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present embodiment, disclosed is a system and method of processing sand mold castings including the steps of placing a mold on a translation surface of a first conveyor at a first position, the mold including a sand housing having compacted sand that encapsulates a casting. The mold is translated along the translation surface of the first conveyor from the first position towards a second position. Air is directed against the casting and temperature of the air and or casting is measured after the casting is being removed from the sand mold.

Abstract: A method for producing a molded body is proposed, comprising: applying a layer of particles and applying a binder and curing a molded body; and a device for producing a metallic or ceramic molded body, having a storage volume, which is configured for receiving a suspension of metallic or ceramic particles that are dispersed in a suspension fluid, a layer-forming application device, which is configured for removing an amount of suspension repeatedly from the storage volume and transferring it into a working volume and applying it there as a layer, a dehumidifying device, which is configured for dehumidifying the applied layer in the working volume, a binder application device, which is configured for applying a binder locally to the dehumidified layer in accordance with a layer model of the molded body to be produced, in such a way that particles in the dehumidified layer are adhesively bonded locally to one another and optionally in addition to particles of at least one layer lying under the dehumidified laye

Abstract: Additive manufacturing methods for fabricating a fiber-reinforced composite objects include providing at least a first layer of powder material, disposing a fiber material adjacent the at least first layer of powder material to form a fiber reinforcement layer, and applying a laser energy to the at least first layer of powder material so as to fuse the powder material into at least a first laser fused material layer adjacent the fiber reinforcement layer of the fiber-reinforced composite object.

Abstract: Preforms including fiber reinforced nodes for use in fiber reinforced composite structures and methods for making fiber reinforced composite structures. Preforms with woven fabric elements extending radially from a common node include at least one reinforcing fiber interwoven between at least two elements and passing through the node. A method of assembling preform structures using the preforms to provide a structure with reinforced nodes.

Abstract: A high pressure coolant tube for receipt by a tool body that includes a coolant tube body with an annular flange adjacent to the exit body end. There is a threaded collar that has an exterior threaded surface. The threaded collar contains an interior collar bore comprising an enlarged diameter interior collar bore surface portion and a reduced diameter interior collar bore surface portion. There is an exit seal pocket defined by an exit-facing flange surface of the annular flange and a reduced diameter body section and the enlarged diameter interior collar bore surface portion. There is an entrance seal assembly pocket defined by an entrance-facing flange surface of the annular flange and a reduced diameter body section and the enlarged diameter interior collar bore surface portion. An exit seal is in the exit seal pocket.

Abstract: A device (100) for capturing, centring, gripping and/or securing an object (140) is disclosed. The device comprises a hub (101) and a ring (102) which are concentric and arranged rotatably relative to each other. On the hub there is at least one first control point (111, 111?, 111?), and on the ring there is at least one second control point (112, 112?, 112?), which control points are arranged at different axial levels (151,152). At least one tensioning member (121,122,123) is arranged to interact with the at least one first control point and with the at least one second control point during the rotation, such that the at least one tensioning member is stretched across the air gap (130) in the device. The different axial levels for the at least one first control point and the at least one second control point mean that the at least one tensioning member can freely pass over the at least one first control point during the rotation and can be stretched across the air gap towards the object.

Abstract: A hand-held cutting tool may include a handle and a battery pack. The handle has a rear portion with respect to a work proceeding direction along which the cutting tool is moved for performing a cutting operation. When the battery pack is mounted to the rear portion of the handle, the longitudinal direction of the battery pack extends non-parallel with the work proceeding direction.

Abstract: A reciprocating saw blade that includes an elongated blade body defining an inner end and a distal end, a cutting edge located on one side of the blade body and extending between the inner and distal ends thereof and a tang located at the inner end of the blade body. The tang projects from the blade body at an acute angle of at least about 3° relative to a line tangent to an inner end of the cutting edge. The cutting edge includes a portion defining a substantially curved contour and optionally can include at least one further portion defining a non-curved contour.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide formed wire tie strap for a saw chain. Embodiments also provide a saw chain including one or more formed wire tie straps. The formed wire tie strap may include a body with one or more integrated rivets extending from the body. In some embodiments, the body may be substantially flat. The rivet may include a rivet head configured to engage a rivet hole of an opposing tie strap and a shoulder configured to engage a rivet hole of a connecting link, such as a drive link. Some embodiments of the formed wire tie strap may include a pair of integrated rivets extending from the body. Some embodiments may include a rivet hole disposed in the body of the formed wire tie strap.

Abstract: A quill includes a fixing side quill to be fixed to a spindle housing and a leading end side quill having a whetstone mounted thereon and removably connectable to the fixing side quill. In the connecting portions between the fixing side quill and the leading end side quill, faces that are perpendicular to the axis of the quill are combined with each other. A first drive shaft is provided within the fixing side quill, and a second drive shaft, rotatable integrally with the whetstone, is provided within the leading end side quill. The first drive shaft and second drive shaft are removably connected to each other.

Abstract: Disclosed is an amorphous, ductile brazing foil with a composition consisting essentially of NirestCraBbPcSid with 2 atomic percent?a?30 atomic percent; 0.5 atomic percent?b?14 atomic percent; 2 atomic percent?c?20 atomic percent; 0 atomic percent?d?14 atomic percent; incidental impurities?0.5 atomic percent; rest Ni, where c>b>c/15 and 10 atomic percent?b+c+d?25 atomic percent. Also disclosed is amorphous, ductile Ni-based brazing foil having a composition consisting essentially of NirestCraBbPcSidCeXfYg wherein a, b, c, d, e, f, and g are numbers such that 2 atomic percent?a?30 atomic percent; 0.5 atomic percent?b?14 atomic percent; 2 atomic percent?c?20 atomic percent; 0 atomic percent?d?14 atomic percent; 0 atomic percent?e?5 atomic percent; 0 atomic percent?f?5 atomic percent; 0 atomic percent?g?20 atomic percent; wherein incidental impurities are present, if at all, in amounts?0.

Abstract: A surface treatment method capable of imparting exceptional corrosion resistance and moisture resistance to an NB heat exchanger. The method includes subjecting an NB heat exchanger to a chemical conversion treatment to form a chemical conversion film on the surface thereof using a chemical conversion treatment agent that contains zirconium and/or titanium in a total amount of 5-5,000 ppm by weight, vanadium in an amount of 10-1,000 ppm by weight, and has a pH of 2-6; bringing the NB heat exchanger on whose surface the chemical conversion film is formed into contact with a hydrophilization agent containing a hydrophilic resin and a guanidine compound and/or a salt thereof; and baking the NB heat exchanger subjected to the contacting process, whereby a hydrophilic film is formed on the surface thereof.

Abstract: A protective coating for aluminum alloys, electrode for producing same and a coating process using the welding electrode. The protective coating and electrode comprise a composite consisting essentially of alumina particles in a matrix, wherein the matrix is a metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The alumina particles consist of aluminum oxide in powder form. The coating process using the welding electrode above comprises the steps of: electro-spark depositing a composite on to a substrate, wherein the composite consists essentially of alumina particles in a matrix, wherein the matrix is a metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The substrate herein is an aluminum alloy. The coatings involve only aluminum and aluminum compounds, thereby intermetallic compound formation and galvanic corrosion of the coating-substrate materials system is avoided.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing wire wrapped screens utilizing a wire and support ribs is provided. The apparatus employs welding pressure control, utilizing a welding device mounted on a support assembly, wherein the support assembly is moveable in relation to a mounting structure and the wire and support rib weld pieces. Welding pressure is determined by a force measurement device, and a control and feedback system adjusts pressure. Mechanical actuator cylinders mounted on the support assembly and the mounting structure provide load balance. A method for making wire wrapped screens is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spot welding cap changer (1) with a cap puller (2) and two cap magazines (3, 3A), the cap puller (2) having a gripper (20) with spring-loaded, pivotable jaws (21, 22), which in response to a turning and axial pulling-off movement detaches a spot welding cap (K) of a pincer spot welding head introduced into it from a shaft of the pincer welding head in such a way that it is clamped to prevent it twisting, and the cap magazines (3, 3A) holding spot welding caps respectively in a round cap carrier (31) such that they are circularly arranged in a directed and oriented manner and are respectively transported individually one after the other into an access position against a stop (32) by an advancing force (P).

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for forming continuous curved laser filaments in transparent materials. The filaments are preferably curved and C-shaped. Filaments may employ other curved profiles (shapes). A burst of ultrafast laser pulses is focused such that a beam waist is formed external to the material being processed without forming an external plasma channel, while a sufficient energy density is formed within an extended region within the material to support the formation of a continuous filament, without causing optical breakdown within the material. Filaments formed according to this method may exhibit lengths in the range of 100 ?m-10 mm. An aberrated optical focusing element is employed to produce an external beam waist while producing distributed focusing of the incident beam within the material. Optical monitoring of the filaments may be employed to provide feedback to facilitate active control of the process.

Abstract: Provided are a machining device and a machining method in which machining of higher precision can be performed with a simple configuration. The machining device has an irradiation head (16) and a controller; and the irradiation head (16) can be divided into a collimate optical system, a laser revolving unit (35), and a light collection optical system (37). The laser revolving unit (35) has a first prism (51), a second prism (52), a first rotation mechanism (53), and a second rotation mechanism (54). The controller controls the rotational speeds and the difference in phase angles of the first prism (51) and the second prism (52), on the basis of at least the relationship between a heat affected layer of a member to be machined and the revolving speed of the laser.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are provided to monitor and characterize the dynamics of a phase change region (PCR) created during laser welding, specifically keyhole welding, and other material modification processes, using low-coherence interferometry. By directing a measurement beam to multiple locations within and overlapping with the PCR, the system, apparatus, and method are used to determine, in real time, spatial and temporal characteristics of the weld such as keyhole depth, length, width, shape and whether the keyhole is unstable, closes or collapses. This information is important in determining the quality and material properties of a completed finished weld. It can also be used with feedback to modify the material modification process in real time.