Visualisation of Highly Dynamic Laser Processes Using Thermography

Lasers are regarded as extremely versatile tools in industry and manufacturing technology. Due to their flexibility, they serve as key technology for implementing the goals of Industry 4.0.

Although laser cutting and welding are considered turnkey technologies today, there is still considerable need for research and development in the majority of laser applications, such as joining hybrid material pairings, 3D printing or ultra-short pulse processing.Laser processes are highly dynamic thermally induced processes. Frequently used high-speed cameras in the visible spectrum are not able to make the heat flow in the component visible. However, this is necessary for the complete understanding of this process. A contact temperature measurement of the moving material melt is not possible. In addition, the processing zone should remain free from any influences of the measurement system. This is exactly what thermographic cameras do, offering both high frame rates and geometric resolutions.

Due to the non-contact and non-reactive temperature measurement, heat flows in components can be mapped to gain a complete understanding of the process. Our thermographic camera precisely controls the heating and cooling of the materials to be processed. Defined energy inputs are monitored and thermal stress is reduced. Precise thermal control of the process due to high-speed data acquisition, high geometric resolution and delay-free triggering ensures complete acquisition, documentation and evaluation of temperature distributions to determine the optimum laser energy input.

World leading supplier with great expertise

The Dresden-based InfraTec GmbH Infrarotsensorik und Messtechnik is a specialised company for products and services in the field of infrared technology. The owner-managed company was founded in 1991. Today it has its own departments for development, production, service and sales. InfraTec employs around 200 highly qualified specialists. In order to coordinate activities in the most significant economic markets of Europe, North America and Asia, InfraTec has established several international subsidiaries. Furthermore, the company runs a worldwide operating network of sales and service partners.