Launch of a measuring device for controlling laser power during the laser melting process
The launch of a measuring device for controlling laser power during the laser melting process (wavelength-based process control) represents a groundbreaking technology for Selective Laser Melting (SLM). This process enables the manufacture of complex components by melting metal powder layer by layer using a laser. At the heart of the innovation is a module that enables precise control of the laser power through continuous temperature measurement and regulation of the molten pool. Studies have shown that such a control concept contributes significantly to improving component quality. The measuring device records the temperature and shape of the molten pool with high accuracy and temporal resolution, regardless of the component geometry, thereby enabling the laser power to be adjusted according to the process. A key advantage of this innovation lies in the potential savings in material and post-processing steps, as the precise control allows support structures to be reduced or avoided altogether. The module developed, which provides integrated online temperature and laser power measurement for SLM processes, represents a world first.