Method and apparatus for monitoring and adjusting a laser welding process

摘要

A laser material processing head for monitoring and adjusting a laser welding process. The present invention provides a laser material processing head having a laser source for providing a laser beam for laser welding a workpiece. A position sensor coupled to the laser material processing head measures the difference between the actual position of the workpiece and a predetermined theoretical position of the workpiece. An adjustment mechanism allows for adjustment of the laser beam in response to the position sensor. A closed loop controller interfaces the position sensor with the adjustment mechanism thereby providing a closed loop system within the laser material processing head.