Author(s)

H.K. Tonshoff, C. Graumann, A.D. Jennings and V. Krai

Abstract

Condition monitoring of a Nd: YAG laser machine tool H.K. Tonshoff, C. Graumann, A.D. Jennings and V. Krai Laser Zentrum Hannover e. V., Hollerithallee 8, 30419 Hannover, Germany. Summary In this paper the application of condition monitoring to a Nd: YAG laser machine tool is reported. Initially an audit of the laser machine tool, to identify the signals likely to be sensitive to the health of the laser, was performed. Some of these signals and additional sensors fitted to the laser are logged during the normal operating cycles of the laser by a data acquisition system. Analysis of the logged signals shows that it is possible to condition monitor the flashlamps and to give a warning of their impending failure. However, the measurements from what are nominally "identical" flashlamps are different, therefore each flashlamp must be monitored independently from each other, 1 Introduction Neodium doped Yttrium Aluminium Garnet (Nd:YAG) lasers use flashlamps to excite (or pump) the ele

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