Process control in laser manufacturing–dream or reality?

Abstract

Looking at the status of control techniques in laser manufacturing processes one has to focus on the sensor technique, the computing hardware and the algorithms available. Sensor technology has evolved in the last years. Now fast two-dimensional sensors like CMOS cameras can be applied whereas five year ago mostly one dimensional sensors like photodiodes were common. Even three dimensional sensors are being developed and might have a good potential in future applications. The use of such sensors has shown varying success in different processes. Thus this article deals with materials processing like welding and brazing of metals and plastics welding as well as with medical applications like cutting human tissue.