Laser Machine World for Laser Technology and Laser Products

The battery module is the heart of an electric vehicle. Electric vehicles are powered by batteries, so the reliability of the battery is critical to the safety of the vehicle. Having launched its first all-electric vehicle, the i3, back in 2013, the BMW Motor Group is well aware of the multiple challenges of battery production. As production capacity continues to increase, so does the complexity of battery production - for example, as many as 144 welds are required in the production of BMW's fifth-generation battery modules.   With the Ophir BeamWatch Integrated automated laser beam measurement system, automakers can inspect the laser beam before welding each new battery module without disrupting the production cycle. Prior to Ophir BeamWatch Integrated, the automaker had to perform weekly spot checks with micrographs in order to confirm the ideal weld depth. Beam quality monitoring without compromising production cycles Laser welding in battery production requires absolute precisi...

There is a wide range of common laser systems for a variety of applications such as materials processing, laser surgery, and remote sensing, but many laser systems share common key parameters. Establishing common terminology for these parameters prevents miscommunication, and understanding them allows for proper specification of laser systems and components to meet application requirements. Basic Parameters The following basic parameters are the most fundamental concepts of a laser system and are essential to understanding the more advanced points.   1: Wavelength (typical units: nm to µm) The wavelength of a laser describes the spatial frequency of the emitted light wave. The optimal wavelength for a given use case is highly dependent on the application. Different materials will have unique wavelength-dependent absorption properties in material processing, resulting in different interactions with the material. Similarly, atmospheric absorption and interference will affect certain ...