Abstract: A method and a system for digital image correlation and thermal monitoring during directed energy deposition are provided. The method and the system include global off-axis 3D mapping of surfaces features at high frame rates using the natural surface roughness of the additive build. Infrared thermography is projected onto these surface features to record the thermo-mechanical history of the finished component. As set forth herein, the method and the system provide a low-cost solution to monitoring and optimizing the unique temporal artifacts induced by complex scan strategies.

Abstract: A system for measuring temperatures of a preheater of a rotary kiln can include: at least one infrared imaging sensor for each level of the preheater; and an imaging analysis computer operably coupled with the at least one infrared imaging sensor of each level of the preheater. The imaging analysis computer can be configured to: obtain a 3D model of a preheater level of the preheater; obtain at least one infrared image of a fixed field of view of the preheater level of the preheater; analyze all pixels in the fixed field of view of the at least one infrared image for each pixel temperature; generate a 2D temperature model of the preheater level; overlaying the 2D temperature model over the 3D model to generate a virtual 3D preheater level temperature model; and providing a visual representation of the virtual 3D preheater level temperature model.

Abstract: A detector is configured to detect an output of a reflected beam from an exit end surface of a parallel plate. A determination unit is configured to determine that an abnormality occurs in the parallel plate when a detection value of the detector is smaller than a determination threshold.

Abstract: A computer numerically controlled machine may include a movable head configured to deliver electromagnetic energy to a part of a working area in which the movable head may be commanded to cause delivery of the electromagnetic energy. The interior space may be defined by a housing and may include an openable barrier that attenuates transmission of light between the interior space and an exterior of the computer numerically controlled machine when the openable barrier is in a closed position. The computer numerically controlled machine may include an interlock that prevents emission of the electromagnetic energy when detecting that the openable barrier is not in the closed position. The commanding may result in the computer numerically controlled machine executing operations of a motion plan for causing movement of the movable head to deliver the electromagnetic energy to effect a change in a material at least partially contained within the interior space.

Abstract: A system and method for 3D microfabrication projects light capable of initiating photopolymerization toward a spatial light modulator that modulates light responsive to digital masks corresponding to layers of the structure. Projection optics focus the modulated light onto an optical plane within a photopolymerizable material supported on a stage. A computer controller causes the spatial light modulator to project a sequences of images corresponding to the digital masks while coordinating movement of the stage to move a position of the optical plane within the photopolymerizable material to sequentially project each image of the sequence to generate the structure by progressively photopolymerizing the photopolymerizable material.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for monitoring or regulating a cutting process on a workpiece. A focusing element focuses a high-energy beam onto the workpiece. An image capture apparatus captures a region at the workpiece to be monitored. The region includes an interaction region of the high-energy beam with the workpiece. An control apparatus determines at least one characteristic variable of the cutting process, in particular of a kerf formed during the cutting process, on the basis of the captured interaction region.

Abstract: A system and method for additive manufacturing by laser melting of a material. The system includes a plurality of laser heads and a powder bed surface. The laser heads are independently movable linearly across the entire powder bed surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laser beam device and a laser beam hand piece having same, the laser beam device outputting a laser beam that is polarized and has high output energy. The laser beam device, according to the present invention, comprises: a light source unit emitting a pumping light; a first optical unit generating a laser beam that is polarized by being pumped by the pumping light provided from the light source unit; and a second optical unit amplifying the polarized laser beam provided from the first optical unit. Accordingly, a compact structure and the outputting of a polarized laser beam having amplified output energy may be enabled, and thus the size and manufacturing costs of the laser beam device and the laser beam hand piece having same may be reduced.

Abstract: A laser engraver having a laser, a camera, and a plate for holding a product, wherein an optical path of the laser is directed to the plate, an optical path of the camera is directed to the plate, and the optical path of the camera to the plate and the optical path of the laser to the plate are at least partially the same before and when hitting the plate. The laser engraver includes a controller and a comparator, wherein the controller is configured to have the laser engrave a predefined pattern at a predefined position on the product on the plate to form an engraved pattern on the product and have the camera capture a position of the engraved pattern, have the comparator compare the predefined position and the position captured by the camera to determine a difference therebetween, and use the difference to calibrate the laser.

Abstract: A measuring device for monitoring a laser welding process that is connectable to a machining device for machining a workpiece by a high-energy processing beam that is displaceable on the workpiece along a main machining path that corresponds to a contour of a closed geometric figure. The measuring device includes an optical coherence tomography unit having a measuring beam source for generating an optical measuring beam that is displaceable on the workpiece by at least one movable deflection unit. The optical measuring beam is displaceable on the workpiece along a first discrete measuring line, along a second discrete measuring line, and along a third discrete measuring line, in each case transversely with respect to the main machining path and intersecting same. The measuring device is configured for determining characteristic features of the geometric figure represented by the main machining path, according to the collected measuring data.

Abstract: A spectrometer system and method including a laser source for directing a laser beam to a sample producing plasma radiation on the sample. At least one fiber of a fiber bundle is connected to an illumination source for directing light to the sample. A spectrometer subsystem receives plasma radiation from the sample via the detection fiber bundle. A camera receives light from the illumination source reflected off the sample for detecting the presence of the sample.

Abstract: A method for measuring the depth of the vapour cavity during an industrial machining process employs a high-energy beam. An optical measuring beam is directed towards the base of a vapour cavity. An optical coherence tomograph generates interference factors or other raw measurement data from reflections of the measurement beam. An evaluation device generates undisturbed measurement data, wherein raw measurement data that is generated at different times is processed together in the course of a mathematical operation. This operation can be a subtraction or a division. Slowly changing interference factors can thus be eliminated. An end value for the distance to the base of the vapour cavity is calculated from the undisturbed measurement data using a filter. As a result, the depth of the vapour cavity can be determined, in the knowledge of the distance at a part of the surface of the work piece that is not exposed to the high-energy beam.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus and its use for laser processing. The invention also concerns a method and an optical component. According to the invention, at a first laser device, providing a first optical feed fiber and a second laser device providing a second optical feed fiber is provided. A beam combining means connected to the first and second feed fibers and to a multi-core optical fiber is adapted to form a composite laser beam by having the first optical feed fiber aligned with a first core of the multi-core optical fiber and the second optical feed fiber aligned with at least one second core of the multi-core optical fiber. The first and second cores outputs a composite laser beam to a workpiece to be processed.

Abstract: In an example, a method includes forming a layer of build material and selectively applying fusing agent on to the layer based on a predetermined pattern. Energy may be applied to the layer of build material, and at least one temperature of the layer may be measured. A temperature distribution over the layer of build material may be determined, the temperature distribution indicating, for each of a plurality of locations on the layer of build material, whether fusing agent is present at that location. At least one characteristic derived from the temperature distribution may be compared to a predetermined characteristic. When the compared characteristics differ, an operational characteristic of an additive manufacturing apparatus may be adjusted.

Abstract: Various additive manufacturing systems and methods are described. In one example, a base is configured to receive deposition material from an additive manufacturing apparatus. The base includes a plurality of regions configured to be individually temperature controlled to affect heat transfer characteristics of at least a portion of the received deposition material. A temperature control system is coupled with the regions and configured to adjust an associated temperature of each of the regions.

Abstract: A laser machining method includes, before laser machining: calculating the amount of focus movement on the basis of a first measurement value measured with the external optical system warmed up and being the amount of energy of a laser beam passing through a small-diameter hole and a first reference value (database D1) predetermined depending on the type of contamination of the external optical system in relation to the first measurement value; and compensating the focus position in laser machining on the basis of the calculated amount of focus movement.

Abstract: A device for emitting electromagnetic radiation, in particular UV radiation, including at least one radiating unit that only emits radiation at visible wavelengths. The device further includes a unit for detecting a functional error of the radiating unit. In practice, the radiating unit is provided for emitting only UV radiation and/or IR radiation and is formed by a light diode. The detection unit is designed to continuously monitor the radiating unit for functional errors, and the device includes an open-loop and/or closed-loop control unit which is provided to automatically switch off the radiating unit and/or display the functional error, upon detection of the functional error by the detection unit.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system for controlling a laser device comprises a laser device, a haptic sensation generator, a gesture detector, and a computer. The laser device generates a laser beam with a focal point to perform a procedure on a patient. The haptic sensation generator generates an acoustic field that projects a sensory pattern onto a user, where the sensory pattern operates as a user controller related to the procedure. The gesture detector detects a gesture of the user interacting with the user controller, and provides a description of the gesture. The computer: instructs the haptic sensation generator to generate the acoustic field that projects the sensory pattern operating as the user controller; receives the description of the gesture of the user interacting with the user controller; and provides instructions to perform an operation corresponding to the gesture.

Abstract: A transmission Raman spectroscopy apparatus has a light source for generating a light profile on a sample, a photodetector having at least one photodetector element, collection optics arranged to collect Raman scattered light transmitted through the sample and direct the Raman light onto the at least one photodetector element and a support for supporting the sample. The support and light source are arranged such that the light profile can be moved relative to the sample in order that the at least one photodetector element receives Raman scattered light generated for different locations of the light profile on the sample.

Abstract: A method includes providing a substrate including a first fin element and a second fin element extending from the substrate, and forming a first layer including a first material over the first and second fin elements, wherein the first layer includes a gap disposed between the first and second fin elements. An anneal process is performed to remove the gap in the first layer, wherein performing the anneal process includes adjusting an energy applied to the first layer during the anneal process. The gap is filled by a portion of the first material around the gap reaching a sub-melt temperature that is different from a melting point of the first material.

Abstract: A welding apparatus includes: a laser beam irradiation section that emits a laser beam; a spectroscopic apparatus that receives plasma emission from a molten pool formed by laser beam irradiation, and acquires optical spectral information; and an estimation section that estimates material components of a weld zone on the basis of the optical spectral information, and estimates a property of the weld zone on the basis of the material components.

Abstract: Irradiation device (6) for an apparatus (1) for additively manufacturing three-dimensional objects (2) by successive layerwise selective irradiation and consolidation of layers of a build material (3) which can be consolidated by means of an energy beam (4), the irradiation device (6) being adapted for a successive layerwise selective irradiation and consolidation of layers of a build material (3) by means of at least one energy beam (4), the irradiation device (6) comprising: —a plurality of beam generating units (7a-7c) each being adapted to generate at least one energy beam (4a-4c) of given beam properties, each beam generating unit (7a-7c) being couplable or coupled a with at least one beam guiding element (8a-8c), —a plurality of beam guiding elements (8a-8c), in particular beam guiding fibers, each beam guiding element being (8a-8c) couplable or coupled with at least one beam generating unit.

Abstract: A method for automatable or automated determination of the focal position of a laser beam (2) including the following steps: —arranging a substrate (10) in a first exposure position (z1), and exposing the substrate (10) with at least one exposure vector (13) in the first exposure position (z1), —moving the substrate (10) into several other exposure positions, in which the substrate (10) is respectively arranged in another certain z-axis position (zn) relative to the reference point (11), and respectively exposing the substrate (10) with at least one exposure vector (13) in the respective other exposure positions (zn), —optically evaluating the exposure pattern (12) by detecting different contrast sections in the exposure pattern (12) that can be optically detected, —determining the focal position of the laser beam (2) based on the detected optical contrast sections.

Abstract: A system to adjust and measure an additive manufacturing device via the CLAD method. The system includes a powder spray nozzle and a laser beam passing through the center of the nozzle, and a light source providing a light beam substantially perpendicular a lighting plane. The light source includes a support to position the light source with respect to a material surface. A profile camera is installed such that its optical axis is substantially parallel to the lighting plane. A projector to project a view seen by the center of the nozzle on an optical path and an optical axis of a centering camera is placed on the optical path. A low-power laser shot perforates a target. An acquisition and processing unit collects the images from the two cameras.

Abstract: A laser processing device for efficiently starting laser processing, while eliminating an adverse effect due to a reflected laser beam from a workpiece. The laser processing device detects an intensity of a reflected beam, which is a part of a laser beam irradiated from a laser oscillator and then is reflected by a workpiece surface, continuously increases an intensity of the irradiating laser beam over a predetermined period of time, selects a content of a next process, based on a temporal change in the intensity of the detected reflected beam, and executes the next process subsequent to the laser processing, based on the selected content of the next process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor device for determining alignment/misalignment of a laser beam relative to a gas nozzle of a laser machining head which comprises a sensor housing provided with mounting means adapted to mount the housing to a laser machining head, a camera device comprising a camera, the camera device is provided in the sensor housing, so that the camera faces the tip of the gas nozzle when the sensor housing is mounted to the laser machining head for visualizing an orifice of the gas nozzle and a pilot laser simultaneously, and output means for outputting image signals obtained by the camera.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods of predicted a welding property for a given welding operation using at least one electrode. Embodiments determine a predicted weld deposit property and compare the predicted property to a desired property to determine whether or not a selected electrode for the given welding operation can achieve the desired weld deposit.

Abstract: A dressing for treating tissue with negative pressure may be a composite of dressing layers, including a release film, perforated gel layer, a perforated polymer film, a manifold, and an adhesive cover. A method of manufacturing the dressing may comprise providing a first layer, such as the gel layer, on a substrate, perforating the first layer on the substrate to create a plurality of apertures in the first layer, and creating an index of the plurality of apertures in the first layer. A laser can be calibrated based on the index. A second layer, such as the polymer film, may be coupled to the first layer, and a plurality of slots can be cut in the second layer with the laser. Each of the slots can be cut through one of the apertures in the first layer based on the index.

Abstract: A method and a device for monitoring laser cutting processes in the high-power range above 1 kW mean output envisage automatic quality control after interruption and/or completion of a cutting process carried out with predetermined cutting parameters. The cutting process is interrupted after a first partial processing step, whereupon a partial section (K1 . . . KX) of the processing path is scanned. This preferably takes place at a higher speed than that for the first partial processing procedure and preferably close to or on the same processing path. On the basis of the scan result at least one quality feature of the processing result is automatically determined and compared with predefined quality specifications. Depending on the result of the comparison a fault message can then be issued, the processing interrupted, reworking of a defect point carried out, at least one cutting parameter adjusted and the cutting process continued with the changed set of cutting parameters.

Abstract: A laser machining apparatus includes: a laser beam emission device; a visible laser beam emission device; a scanner; and a controller. The controller is configured to perform: generating machining data including coordinate data representing a machining pattern to be machined on a workpiece; machining the workpiece with a laser beam according to the machining data by controlling the laser beam emission device and the scanner; generating, in response to receiving a resuming command after the machining has been halted at a stopping position, a guide pattern based on a stopping point coordinate and the machining data, the guide pattern being used for resuming the machining from the stopping position, the stopping point coordinate indicating the stopping position and being determined by the coordinate data; and projecting the guide pattern onto the workpiece with a visible laser beam by controlling the visible laser beam emission device and the scanner.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a powdered bed fusion additive manufacturing (PBFAM) apparatus. The apparatus uses a container for holding a quantity of powdered material. The container has a bottom wall for supporting the powdered material, wherein the bottom wall is made from the same material as the powdered material. A temperature sensing subsystem is coupled to a portion of the container for detecting a temperature of the container. A laser generates an optical beam directed at the powdered material held by the container for melting the powdered material. A controller receives temperature information from the temperature sensing subsystem and determines an absorptivity of the powdered material based on the temperature information.

Abstract: A soldering apparatus and method involves capturing an image of a soldering operation, and storing image data in association with that particular soldering operation. A soldering tool that is used to perform the soldering operation has a position during the soldering operation, and the image data could also be stored in association with data for that particular position. The position data could be for an operation start point and/or an operation endpoint. Associating the image data in this way could help a manufacturer investigate soldering abnormalities that might be reported after a product is shipped to a customer.

Abstract: A process for melting/sintering powder particles for layer-by-layer production of three-dimensional objects is performed by a)applying a layer of a powder material solidifiable under the action of electromagnetic radiation, b) heating the powder material to not more than 10 K below the melting point according to DIN 53765 by a radiation from a heat-radiating element whose maximum radiation intensity is at a wavelength of 5000 nm or at longer wavelengths, c) selective melting/sintering of at least a region of the powder material which corresponds to the cross section of the three-dimensional object, d)repeating steps a) to c) until the three-dimensional object is obtained.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing includes coating a substrate (22) with a matrix (28) containing a material to be patterned on the substrate. A pattern is fixed in the matrix by directing a pulsed energy beam to impinge on a locus of the pattern so as to cause adhesion of the material to the substrate along the pattern without fully sintering the material in the pattern. The matrix remaining on the substrate outside the fixed pattern is removed, and after removing the matrix, the material in the pattern is sintered.

Abstract: A system provides for the calculation of the penetration depth of a weld in an orthotropic steel decking system. Weld scan section data is accessed and each scan section along the weld seam is processed to find the amount of penetration as a percentage of the thickness of the rib leg metal at the weld location. The amount of penetration is calculated by finding ultrasonic reflections recorded as voxels that have the greatest magnitude within an area of contiguous magnitudes and then determining the location of those voxels relative to the weld geometry and distance along the thickness of the rib leg steel. A report for each section scan and the entire weld seam may be generated for review by a weld inspector that allows for spot inspections of specified areas along the weld seam for possible weld remediation.

Abstract: An apparatus for laser materials processing including a laser (4) for generating a laser beam and a laser head (5) which is movable along at least one spatial direction and is connected to the laser via a light guide, and which emits a laser beam (7) capable of processing a material. The present invention also relates to an apparatus for selective laser melting or selective laser sintering having an apparatus for laser materials processing.

Abstract: A laser machining device includes a contamination determining part that determines contamination of an external optical system before laser machining; the contamination determining part includes a lens contamination determining section that determines contamination of a lens in the external optical system on the basis of a comparison between a first measurement value, which is measured by an energy amount measuring part in a state where the external optical system is not heated, and a second measurement value, which is measured by the energy amount measuring part in a state where the external optical system is heated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for constructing a three-dimensional object (3) in layers from a pulverulent construction material by solidifying layers of the pulverulent construction material in a successive manner at each layer point which corresponds to a cross-section of the object, wherein the solidification process is carried out by introducing thermal energy. The method has the following step: solidifying all the layer points which correspond to a cross-section of the object. The introduced thermal energy quantity is adjusted at least in a sub-region of the layer dependent on the duration of the previous solidification step for the previous powder layer or dependent on the current solidification step duration, which is calculated in advance.

Abstract: Sensor data generated by a sensor of a computer numerically controlled machine can be compared with a forecast. The forecast can include expected sensor data for the sensor, over a course of an execution plan for making a cut with a movable laser cutting head. The sensor data can be generated during execution of the execution plan. During execution of the execution plan, the sensor data can be monitored and a deviation of from the forecast can be detected. It can be determined, based on the detecting, that an anomalous condition of the computer numerically controlled machine has occurred. Based on the determining, an action can be performed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides three-dimensional (3D) objects, 3D printing processes, as well as methods, apparatuses and systems for the production of a 3D object. Methods, apparatuses and systems of the present disclosure may reduce or eliminate the need for auxiliary supports. The present disclosure provides three dimensional (3D) objects printed utilizing the printing processes, methods, apparatuses and systems described herein.

Abstract: A processing system directs a laser beam to a composite including a substrate, a conductive layer, and a conductive border. The location of a focus of the laser beam can be controlled to bring the laser beam into focus on the surfaces of the conductive materials. The laser beam can be used to ablatively process the conductive border and non-ablatively process the conductive layer by translating a focus-adjust optical system so as to vary laser beam diameter.

Abstract: A controller of a laser machining device according to the present invention includes a positioning completion determining part for determining whether or not positioning of the nozzle is completed, a completion expectation determining part for determining whether or not the completion of the positioning of the nozzle can be expected, and a subsequent process determining part for determining whether or not a subsequent process can be carried out in the state where the completion of the positioning of the nozzle is expected. If the subsequent process can be carried out when the completion of the positioning of the nozzle is only expected, the subsequent process is carried out immediately when it is determined that the completion of the positioning of the nozzle can be expected. If the subsequent process cannot be carried out, the subsequent process is carried out only after the positioning of the nozzle is completed.

Abstract: An apparatus for laser materials processing including a laser (4) for generating a laser beam and a laser head (5) which is movable along at least one spatial direction and is connected to the laser via a light guide, and which emits a laser beam (7) capable of processing a material. The present invention also relates to an apparatus for selective laser melting or selective laser sintering having an apparatus for laser materials processing.

Abstract: A spot shape detection apparatus for detecting the spot shape of a laser beam oscillated from a laser oscillator includes: a focusing leans for focusing the laser beam oscillated by the oscillator; a rotary body (mirror holder) in which a plurality of mirrors for reflecting the laser beam having passed through the focusing lens are disposed on concentric circles; a drive source (motor) for rotating the rotary body at a predetermined period; a beam splitter for branching return beams of the laser beam reflected by the plurality of mirrors of the rotary body; an imaging unit which is disposed in a direction in which the return beams are branched by the beam splitter and which images spot shapes of the return beams; and a display unit for displaying images obtained by imaging by the imaging unit, in relation with the plurality of mirrors.

Abstract: A method and system for aligning a scan laser beam on a wafer include scanning a scan laser beam across a laser beam sensor along a scan line, picking up a scan laser beam, at a first position, using a first optical slit of the laser beam sensor to generate a first electrical pulse, picking up the scan laser beam, at a second position, using a second optical slit of the laser beam sensor to generate a second electrical pulse, picking up the scan laser beam, at a third position, using a third optical slit of the laser beam sensor to generate a third electrical pulse, and determining a spot size and a position of the laser beam based on the first to third electrical pulses.

Abstract: The gap control axis following speed calculating unit of a numerical controller controlling a laser processing machine calculates a gap control axis following speed based on a displacement amount obtained from a separation distance and a reference distance between a nozzle tip and a workpiece, and a gap control gain. A first determining unit determines that the nozzle tip has entered an approach side when the separation distance becomes smaller than the reference distance. A first changing unit changes the gap control gain continuously in accordance with the displacement amount.

Abstract: A laser processing apparatus including a processing nozzle for irradiating a workpiece with laser beam, a driving mechanism for relatively moving the processing nozzle and the workpiece, and a gap sensor for detecting a gap between the processing nozzle and the workpiece. The apparatus includes a gap control section referring to a measured value detected by the gap sensor and calculating a manipulating variable used for controlling the driving mechanism so as to maintain the gap during execution of laser processing at a first dimension, a power monitoring section monitoring electric power from a power supply and sending an abnormality detection signal to the gap control section when a power abnormality occurs, and a control action switching section switching a control action of the gap control section so as to increase the gap from the first dimension when the abnormality detection signal is sent to the gap control section.

Abstract: The present disclosure various apparatuses, and systems for 3D printing. The present disclosure provides three-dimensional (3D) printing methods, apparatuses, software and systems for a step and repeat energy irradiation process; controlling material characteristics and/or deformation of the 3D object; reducing deformation in a printed 3D object; and planarizing a material bed.

Abstract: A laser machining apparatus includes a height controller that performs an approach operation. The height controller uses a first approach speed and a first gain when performing the approach operation in a non-peripheral-edge portion of the workpiece, and uses a second approach speed lower than the first approach speed and a second gain lower than the first gain when performing the approach operation in a peripheral edge portion of the workpiece, and to make the time required when the approach operation is performed in the non-peripheral-edge portion of the workpiece shorter than the time required when the approach operation is performed in the peripheral edge portion of the workpiece.

Abstract: An optical system for producing lithographic structures is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for determining relative coordinates of a position of a writing field relative to a position of a preview field in such an optical system, and a method for producing lithographic structures using such an optical system.