Evaluation of the loss of cut by photodiode intensity with modulated power

Laser cutting is widely used in the industry as a manufacturing method for metallic sheet processing. On it a laser source melts the material, which is evacuated with the use of an assisted gas. However, system or material irregularities can move the process out of the stable condition and lead to a loss of cut, producing material and economic losses.

Several monitoring methods are being investigated in the industry in order to detect the loss of cut and anticipate it. Our work focusses on the detection of the loss of cut by analysing the radiation emitted during the process by means of a photodiode.