Ranging system for laser welding tool and laser welding system and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a distance measuring system for a laser welding tool and a laser welding system and method. A ranging system for a laser welding tool includes a laser-based ranging device that is moved into and out of respective beam envelopes that contain one or more laser welding beams for performing welding. In some embodiments, a ranging system of the present disclosure includes a coupling mechanism for coupling one or more ranging devices to a laser welding tool, where the coupling mechanism alternately moves the ranging device from a welding position to a ranging position, or allows the ranging device to alternately move between these positions. The ranging system of the present disclosure obtains an accurate and precise ranging distance that facilitates precise positioning of the focus of each laser welding beam with respect to each welding site to minimize the occurrence of erroneous forming welds from incorrect focus positioning. Laser welding systems incorporating such ranging systems and related methods of forming a weld are also disclosed.

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