Cutting metal sheets on laser cutting machines requires a pierce hole before cutting feed is executed. The pierce time setting is difficult and varies even for the same material. This leads to longer pierce time settings than normall needed. However, sometimes even an extended pierce time setting is not long enough and leads to scrap production.

The LPS-8000 Laser Process Sensor operation is based on the conversion of an optical into an electrical signal. i.e. the reflected light which is generated by the cutting process is transmitted by an optical fiber to the process sensor and is converted into an electrical signal via photo diode. This signal is processed by the microprocessor. These signals are evaluated by software in the microprocessor and compared with the threshold value setting. Crossing the threshold values trigger output bits sent to the CNC via DB37M cable.

The adjusted values are memorized even after switching off the operating volatage. In addition, the LPS-8000 offers a function to freeze the tracing control while crossing a hole without leading to collision between the cutting head and metal sheet.

The signal amplitude is a function of the reflected light intensity which is generated by sparks during laser cutting. The signal amplitude can be monitored for various laser processes.

LPS-8000 Series Specifications:

• Power Supply: 24 VDC
• Current: 300mA
• Temperature: 0 - 40ºC
• Storage Temperature: -10 - +50ºC
• Bending Radius Fibers: R>50mm Static

LPS-8000 Series Features:

• Microprocessor Controlled Laser Cutting Process Monitoring
• Cutting Failure Detection
• Pierce Finish Detection
• Detection of Workpiece Edge & Holes While Cutting
• Automatic Backlight Calibration
• Programmable Threshold & Gain Settings
• CNC-Interface
• Fiber-Optic Sensor System