Energy Input per Unit Length – High Accuracy Kinematic Metrology in Laser Material Processing

Laser material processes require constant energy input per unit length. Besides focal z-position, spot size, laser power and other process parameters, the relative travel speed (feed rate) of the laser spot on the work piece has the highest influence on the resulting energy input per unit length. In this paper a new metrology method is introduced, which enables users in industry and research to measure the real travel speed of the laser spot and the resulting contour of the trajectory.