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Lix, Automated Laser Beam Profiler, Power
Measurement and Analysis Test System with Integrated Machine
Vision
Click here to see a video of the system
in action.
Overview
Lix is a class of instruments for automated laser beam profiling, power
measurement and analysis with integrated machine vision.
Our customer for this
solution is a
leading manufacturer of laser marking systems for industrial and commercial
applications. Three separate systems were developed to cover all aspects of operation of the
lasers at different stages of manufacturing: from laser tubes to laser modules to final product.
Motorized and pneumatic actuators were used for placement and actuation of
sensors and measurement devices. LabVIEW and TestStand were used in unison to
create a flexible system that gives the end user the flexibility for
modifying many test variables, including timing, and pass/fail criteria, etc.
These systems integrate various measurement and profiling devices including: an Agilent
functions generator, a Tektornix oscilloscope, a Cognex Vision System, a Spiricon Laser Beam Profiler,
an Ophir laser power meter.
The real-time aspects of operation are controlled by a Mitsubishi PLC and a
motorized actuator using a SmartMotor is used for the Final test system to move
the test card automatically from one position on the test sequence to the other.
The three test systems made it possible to improve efficiency of testing in some
cases by 2400%: for example the final test system that tests the laser
controller and interface and the laser drive and optics module including all
digital inputs and outputs used to
 take
about 8 hours to complete. the operator had to follow various procedures and
enter many variables and perform visual inspections that were basically
subjective. The new automated system does all tests in about 10 minutes. The
operator only scans the serial number and selects the laser type from a menu.
the rest of the operations are handled by the test system: All test parameters
are selected and test images are downloaded to the laser controller
autoamtically.
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