Method for controlling a laser additive process using intrinsic illumination

Robert Tait, Guoshuang Cai, Magdi Azer, Xiaobin Chen, Yong Liu, Kevin Harding

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

One form of additive manufacturing is to use a laser to generate a melt pool from powdered metal that is sprayed from a nozzle. The laser net-shape machining system builds the part a layer at a time by following a predetermined path. However, because the path may need to take many turns, maintaining a constant melt pool may not be easy. A straight section may require one speed and power while a sharp bend would over melt the metal at the same settings. This paper describes a process monitoring method that uses the intrinsic IR radiation from the melt pool along with a process model configured to establish target values for the parameters associated with the manufacture or repair. This model is based upon known properties of the metal being used as well as the properties of the laser beam. An adaptive control technique is then employed to control process parameters of the machining system based upon the real-time weld pool measurement. Since the system uses the heat radiant from the melt pool, other previously deposited metal does not confuse the system as only the melted material is seen by the camera.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationDimensional Optical Metrology and Inspection for Practical Applications IV
EditorsSong Zhang, Toru Yoshizawa, Kevin G. Harding
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781628416053
DOIs
StatePublished - 2015
Externally publishedYes
EventDimensional Optical Metrology and Inspection for Practical Applications IV - Baltimore, United States
Duration: Apr 20 2015Apr 21 2015

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume9489
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Other

OtherDimensional Optical Metrology and Inspection for Practical Applications IV
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBaltimore
Period4/20/154/21/15

Keywords

  • Additive manufacturing
  • image processing
  • laser welding

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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