Method of and apparatus for machining workpieces with a laser beam

US5486677A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Föderung der Wissenschaften e.V. · US

Inventors

• Dora Maischner · Aachen, DE
• Alexander J. Drenker · Aachen, DE
• Peter Abels · Alsdorf, DE
• Eckhard Beyer · Alsbach, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 19, 1993
• Grant date: Jan 23, 1996
• Expiry date: Aug 19, 2013

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B23K26/03
• WIPO field: Machine tools
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method of machining workpieces with a laser beam wherein the machining cess, in particular the melting depth or the through-melting distance is monitored by detecting an optical and/or acoustical signal created by an unshielded laser-induced plasma or vapor. In order to receive monitoring date which as much as possible is independent of signal variations in the process the signals are subjected to a frequency analysis and the average amplitudes (Ax, Ay) of two different frequency bands (x, y) of the analyzed frequencies are used with a predetermined calculation function to determine a rating value (B).