Precision Measurement System provides 2.5 µm resolution.
Press Release Summary:
Based on laser distance measurement technology, OFC2 ABSOLUTE™ offers working range of more than 4 in., independent of processing lens focal length. System can map surface of thermal barrier coated sheet metal components and maintain laser beam focus at precise location of laser drilled hole. Used on shiny and dull materials, coated and un-coated, and visually light and dark surfaces, OFC2 ABSOLUTE measures wide range of angled surfaces, from normal to 70° off normal, depending on surface finish.
Original Press Release:
Prima Power Laserdyne Introduces OFC2 ABSOLUTE(TM) Precision Measurement for Laser Processing(TM) -- Provides 2.5µm Measurement Resolution
Champlin, Minnesota – It’s another first from Prima Power Laserdyne – OFC2 ABSOLUTE™-- precision measurement for laser processing that provides high (2.5µm) absolute measurement resolution.
OFC2 ABSOLUTE is based on laser distance measurement technology and is complementary to the patented OFC Optical Focus Control that has been supplied on LASERDYNE systems since 2002 for relative measurement of metal and non-metal surfaces.
OFC2 ABSOLUTE provides an order of magnitude greater precision compared to the original OFC, longer working range (more than 100 mm or 4 inch) independent of processing lens focal length, and potential for new applications beyond part mapping.
The original OFC, for which Prima Power Laserdyne has both USA and international patents, was designed to map the surface of thermal barrier coated (TBC) sheet metal components and to maintain the laser beam focus at the precise location of a laser drilled hole.  Importantly, it made laser processing of 3D non-metallics, composites and thermal barrier (ceramic) coated metals easy and as accurate as with uncoated metals.
OFC2 ABSOLUTE does all this and more with greater precision. It has a long working range so that the location of reference features (edges, corners, holes, etc.) can be determined using a greater, more generous stand-off between the laser processing head and the workpiece.  A greater stand-off means less possibility of a collision between the laser processing head and workpiece that can interrupt the process.Â
As with the original OFC, measurement is made using a low power laser that is coaxial with the beam path of the processing laser. Coaxial measurement maintains the compact nature of the LASERDYNE BD3Y BeamDirector® especially in contrast to off-axis laser based measurement devices included on some competitive laser systems that increase the overall size of the head.
Additional OFC2 ABSOLUTE features:
(1) Measures both shiny and dull materials, coated and un-coated, and visually light and dark surfaces.
(2) Provides simultaneous use of OFC2 ABSOLUTE with the machine’s vision system. The visible alignment beam intensity can be adjusted or it can be turned off completely without affecting measurement accuracy.
(3) Measures a wide range of angled surfaces, currently from normal to 70° off normal (20° from the surface), depending on material surface finish.
(4) Supports fast changeover between parts and applications since it requires little to no application specific setup.
OFC2 ABSOLUTE is a feature in the latest LASERDYNE 795 and 430BD systems. These systems have capability for precise 3D cutting, welding, and drilling. These capabilities -- all in one machine with the appropriate laser source – can reduce part handling, simplify operation, and save capital expense and floor space required for machines dedicated to a single process.
For more information about the use of OFC2 ABSOLUTE with LASERDYNE systems, call 763-433-3700. Email: LDS.SALES@primapower.com  Website: www.primapower.com  Â
Fax: 763-433-3701. Location: Prima Power Laserdyne, 8600 109th Avenue North, #400, Champlin, Minnesota 55316.
EDITOR NOTE: The original OFC is covered under US Patent 6,720,567 and UK Patent 2,393,511 assigned to Prima Power Laserdyne, LLC.
