Sensor-controlled laser processingof polymers and compound materials

摘要

This report discusses the optimisation of laser materials processing of polymers and compound materials by employmentof smart sensors which measure laser parameters as well as processing progress online and deliver signals which are usedfor instantaneous laser and motion control. The mutual interdependence between suitable laser parameters and givenmechanical, thermal and optical material properties is considered. Some examples of laser cutting, laser milling ofchannels and holes with precisely defined depth as well as laser of welding are treated. Process simulation plays animportant part in finding the right adjustment of laser parameters as function of sample properties and processing aim.Often laser parameters and sample changes have to be measured and controlled very fast between adjacent irradiations ofthe sample by pulse sequences (up to about 100 KHz) or between repetition cycles of scanned cw lasers. The samesensors measure and store the processing results and decide whether the sample finally fulfils all quality criteria. Thevalue of such laser processing units strongly depends on the smartness of the applied sensors and their interplay with thelaser as a tool.