PRIMES
BeamMonitor BM+ with LDS 2.98
12
Revision 01/2018 EN
4
Introduction
4.1
Laser beam measurement
Laser beams in industrial applications, whether they be CO
2
, Nd:YAG- diode or fibre lasers, work with invis-
ible beams in the infra-red or near infra-red spectral range (NIR). Hence changes in beam quality or power
cannot be detected visually, and only become evident from the outcome of their application. Under some
circumstances, this results in very expensive rejects being produced.
If the deterioration in quality is not recognised in the manufacturing process, this usually results in the sub-
sequent failure of the product in use, with consequences for the manufacturer of rectification, replacement
and loss of image.
This is where PRIMES beam diagnostics devices for measuring beam quality, focusability and laser power
come in. Process monitoring in production with laser beam diagnostics devices by PRIMES enables con-
sistent quality assurance and allows the timely detection and elimination of malfunctions of laser beams.
PRIMES measuring devices allow the reliable recording of current beam parameters, and enable ongoing
documentation of beam properties for quality assurance purposes. This is a requirement that should not be
underestimated in many industrial areas, such as automotive or medical technology.
With PRIMES devices for beam diagnostics, troubleshooting of laser applications is simplified considerably.
The beam intensity profile, beam diameter, beam caustic before and after focusing, and laser power to be
applied are directly measured and analysed. Based on the readings and their evaluation, maintenance and
servicing personnel can work in a targeted way on repair. Loss of time and system downtimes due to “trying
out” possible causes of the problem are effectively avoided.
The same applies to process optimisation and approval of process windows in laser material processing.
Only if the focal position and focal dimension and also the intensity profile of the laser beam are known, can
processes such as laser beam cutting, welding or drilling be adjusted to the particular component geometry,
materials be selected and the breadth of process windows be determined reliably.
