Patent · US Active

Laser processing machine, laser cutting machine, and method for adjusting a focused laser beam

US9289852B2 · kind B2 · utility

1Cited by
93References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 20, 2013
Grant dateMar 22, 2016
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 11, 2034

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB23K26/38
  • WIPO fieldMachine tools
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

Laser processing machines and methods for adjusting focused laser beams. Laser processing heads have nozzle with openings admitting primary laser beam. An orientation device is included, as well as at least one sensor to mutually center primary beam and opening of nozzle. A first beam handling unit is arranged near the nozzle opening and may convert primary beam into a secondary wide-band heat beam, and then may emit this secondary beam towards a sensor; or may reflect/scatter at least a portion of the primary beam towards sensor. The sensor detecting the converted secondary beam is arranged within the laser processing head. In an adjustment process, a primary beam may be converted into a wide-band heat radiation as secondary radiation at the beam handling unit, and emitted and/or diverted into a scattered/reflex beam towards the sensor. Respective position of nozzle opening center and primary beam is calculated from sensor-measured values, and nozzle center and beam center are automatically displaced to mutual center. The axial position of beam focus may be also be measured and set via the nozzle centering procedure.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.