Steered laser beam system with laser power control
US6177648A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 30, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jan 23, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 30, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB23K26/082
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved method for operating a steered laser beam system employs selective laser power control. A laser beam is provided having a selectively positionable focal point. A workpiece is provided on which a selected laser beam pattern is used to process the workpiece, and the laser beam focal point is controlled to travel along the selected pattern at varying velocities. A position of the focal point on the workpiece is dynamically determined as the focal point travels along the selected pattern. A velocity of the focal point on the workpiece is dynamically calculated based on multiple determined positions of the focal point. An energy level of the laser beam is controlled based on the calculated velocity of the focal point. In one embodiment, the energy level of the laser beam is adjusted to maintain a constant energy per unit distance traveled by the focal point.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.