3-DIMENSIONAL LASER MACHINING

The precision of three-dimensional machining by means of laser radiation is determined primarily by the accuracy of the plant. Gravity plays only a subordinate role with regard to welding, cutting, caving and bending processes. In the case of the generation of structures by means of the interaction of a laser beam and powder jet, the powder jet may be substantially affected by gravity, as a result of which the trough position known from the area of welding is to be preferred. While laser beam generation and bending will acquire increasing importance for the area of rapid prototyping in the future, three-dimensional welding and cutting and caving are already of importance to the areas of prototype production and manufacturing processes. Fast controllability and precise focusability of the laser radiation to enable adaption to the geometry and the process involved are of particular importance to three-dimensional machining. However, full utilisation of these capabilities is possible only when a machining plant with adequate precision, fast control functions and integrated sensor technology is available, to enable the machining process to be adjusted and controlled in accordance with the desired machining geometry.