Lasers That Learn: Embracing The Digital Age

Today, lasers are used to carry out a wide range of manufacturing processes. This is due mainly to them being a lot more flexible regarding such parameters as pulse and wavelength, pulse energy, and size of the beam. 

But this flexibility does come at a price in terms of how much time has to be spent finding the lasers optimal set of parameters in each manufacturing process. 

It can take days or weeks before such information is available in some cases. Then once these parameters have been determined, any small changes could seriously affect the quality of the produced items.

But through artificial intelligence (AI), significant changes are occurring throughout the manufacturing industries. Using such enables lasers to learn where they need to make the necessary adjustments to produce high-quality products at all times.

AI Will Make Machines Better And Better Over Time

It all begins with the algorithms developed initially for use in helping to organize different processes. Today, many such algorithms can learn things for themselves and ensure that optimum production levels are obtained.

However, it is only recently that AI in laser manufacturing processes has started to take place. Initially, such was only being used to help manufacturers to predict when their equipment needed maintenance to be carried out.

The system is fed a considerable amount of historical data, connected to sensors on the production equipment. The AI system can detect when any piece of machinery needs maintenance and will then send this information through to those who take care of the equipment. Such information helps reduce how long a piece of equipment will be out of action. It also helps a company to plan its maintenance schedules more efficiently. 

How AI Is Helping With Moving Laser Systems To Achieve Error Free Production

There will be occasions when something goes wrong, but laser machinery that utilizes AI will be able to rectify the issue a lot faster. They will be using self-learning software that will allow them to identify the problem quickly. They can then provide data to the repair team without taking the laser offline to inspect it.

These days sensors within any laser machinery capture large amounts of data that can be analyzed against all previous information. This process only takes a few seconds to be carried out and allows it to run through numerous operating procedures. 

It can then detect any irregularities and provide those who maintain the equipment an accurate description of the error and where the problem is occurring. It will even show them just how the problem can be corrected. Over time as the software used to run the laser machine gathers more data so it will be able to identify any issues faster.

However, AI isn't really an option if the laser machine hasn't been specifically designed to incorporate such. For the lasers to learn, the algorithms used in the software need to have something that they can learn about. Such can only be used on laser machines where they have a high degree of freedom.

How Laser Machinery Can Benefit From Artificial Intelligence

Unlike other mechanical tools like drills or milling cutters, lasers are entirely in their element in the digital world. From the outset, lasers have been numerically controlled and primed to create actual items from their given data. 

It is hard to imagine a tool that is so well equipped for using AI. As soon as AI generates any new processing strategy, a laser can tap straight into the information being sent to it. It will then immediately put into practice what it has just learnt.

Research continues to develop even better AI systems for use not only to improve laser material production but also to improve the lasers. Resulting even more in lasers that learn and are willing to embrace the digital age.