Sensors and controls for intelligent machining

Laserwelding is a most important technique in automatic production lines for high numbers of production units. Visualizing the process accelerates the production, enables controlling the process parameters and reduces waste. We present latest results of an online visualization system in this industrial process. Sensors of different sensitivity, combined with optical materials, new in this field, give information to signal processors for mathematical evaluation. Computed results give inunediate response to the system. We used the latest digital signal processing technique to cover the need for quick response within a few microseconds. Thus the system can react and for example exceed the laser power or add material to avoid pores.