Image Processing Algorithm for In Situ Monitoring Fiber Laser Remote Cutting by a High-Speed Camera

We present an in situ process monitoring approach for remote fiber laser cutting, which is based on evaluating images from a high-speed camera. A specifically designed image processing algorithm allows the distinction between complete and incomplete cuts by analyzing spectral and geometric information of the melt pool from the captured images of the high-speed camera. The camera-based monitoring system itself is fit to a conventional laser deflection unit for use with high-power fiber lasers, with the optical detection path being coaxially aligned to the incident laser. Without external illumination, the radiation of the melt from the process zone is recorded in the visible spectral range from the top view and spatially and temporally resolved. The melt pool size and emitted sparks are evaluated in dependence of machining parameters such as feed rate, cycles, and focus position during cutting electrical sheets.

Automated summary

We propose an in situ process monitoring approach for remote fiber laser cutting, which utilizes a high-speed camera and a specifically designed image processing algorithm to distinguish between complete and incomplete cuts. The camera-based monitoring system is suitable for high-power fiber lasers and can accurately evaluate the size of the melt pool and the emitted sparks during the cutting process.