Pulse Profiling for Laser Welding
Pulse Performance Profile Technology - P3
Profiling a LaserStar pulse is simply selecting the percentage of pulse energy that is released for each half millisecond (.5 mS) section. Each individual section is defined at 25%, 50%, 75% or 100% of total pulse energy output. To benefit from pulse profiling, a minimum of a three millisecond (3mS) pulse duration must be employed to achieve noticeable results.
The energies required for pulsed laser welding can vary depending upon the pulse profiles selected.
If certain profiles are chosen for slower cooling or surface cleaning, then the energy is not always being used to increase penetration. Instead, it may be directed at vaporization of contaminants or bulk heating. When this is the case, the energy required (parameter selections: Voltage and Pulse-length) will increase to achieve the same weld penetration before a custom profile was applied. The parameter adjustments may reduce lamp life, reduce process speeds, and/or increase cycle times. However, it is a small price to pay and almost always worth the weld quality improvements.
Conversely, if the initial spike is increased to improve energy coupling or duty cycle, Burst Profiles are used, then the process can become much more efficient. Less energy per pulse is used with pulse profiling for the same task.
When in doubt about which pulse profile may be most beneficial, first set up a process with a Basic Profile and note the energy used (parameter selections) for a particular application. Next, select a recommended pulse profile for the same application and compare the energy used (parameter selections). Finally, compare the two different process results and choose a profile that meets your quality and process speed requirements.
