Primes BM+ series User manual

Revision 01/2018 EN
PRIMES
BeamMonitor BM+
BM+ 60, BM+ 100
LaserDiagnosticsSoftware LDS 2.98
Translation of the original instructions
Operating Manual

IMPORTANT!
READ CAREFULLY BEFORE USE.
KEEP FOR FUTURE USE.

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Table of contents
1 BASIC SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 8
2 SYMBOL EXPLANATIONS 10
3 ABOUT THIS OPERATING MANUAL 11
4 INTRODUCTION 12
4.1 Laser beam measurement .....................................................................................................12
5 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION 13
6 CONDITIONS AT THE INSTALLATION SITE 13
7 INSTALLATION 14
7.1 Preparation.............................................................................................................................14
7.2 Installation position.................................................................................................................14
7.3 Alignment ...............................................................................................................................14
7.4 Mounting ................................................................................................................................15
8 ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS 16
8.1 Connection BeamMonitor BM+ with the standard power supply and the PC (example)........18
8.2 Operation of two measuring devices .....................................................................................19
9 STATUS DISPLAY 20
10 SOFTWARE 21
10.1 System requirements .............................................................................................................21
10.2 Installing the software ............................................................................................................21
10.3 Starting the software ..............................................................................................................22
10.3.1 Graphical user interface..........................................................................................22
10.3.1 The menu bar .........................................................................................................24
10.3.2 The tool bar.............................................................................................................25
10.3.3 Menu overview........................................................................................................26
10.4 Establishing an Ethernet Connection.....................................................................................28
10.4.1 Establishing a connection to PC .............................................................................28
10.4.2 Changing the IP address ........................................................................................29
11 SOFTWARE FUNCTIONS IN DETAIL 31
11.1 Settings ..................................................................................................................................31
11.1.1 Sensor parameter ...................................................................................................31
11.1.2 Measuring Environment (menu Measuring>>Environment).............................33
11.1.3 Beam find (Menu Measurement>>BeamFind settings)..................................34
11.1.4 Single measurement (menu Measurement>>Single measurement)...............35
11.1.5 Adjustment mode ..................................................................................................39
11.2 Presentation and documentation of the measuring results ....................................................42
11.2.1 Tool bar of the LDS .................................................................................................42
11.2.2 False colors.............................................................................................................43
11.2.3 False colors (filtered) ..............................................................................................44
11.2.4 Isometry..................................................................................................................44
11.2.5 Caustic display (2D-display) ...................................................................................45
11.2.6 Isometry 3D ............................................................................................................49
11.2.7 Review 86 % or 2nd Moment....................................................................................50
11.2.8 Symmetry Check ....................................................................................................51
11.2.9 Fixed Contour Lines................................................................................................52

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11.2.10 Variable Contour Lines............................................................................................53
11.2.11 Graphical Review....................................................................................................54
11.2.12 Color Tables ............................................................................................................54
11.2.13 Evaluation (option)..................................................................................................55
11.3 File .........................................................................................................................................56
11.3.1 New.........................................................................................................................56
11.3.2 Open .......................................................................................................................56
11.3.3 Save........................................................................................................................56
11.3.4 Save As...................................................................................................................56
11.3.5 Export .....................................................................................................................56
11.3.6 Load measurement preferences.............................................................................56
11.3.7 Save measurement preferences.............................................................................56
11.3.8 Protocol...................................................................................................................56
11.3.9 Print ........................................................................................................................57
11.3.10 Print preview............................................................................................................57
11.3.11 Recently opened files .............................................................................................57
11.3.12 Exit..........................................................................................................................57
11.4 Edit.........................................................................................................................................57
11.4.1 Copy........................................................................................................................57
11.4.2 Clear plane .............................................................................................................57
11.4.3 Clear all planes .......................................................................................................57
11.5 Communication ......................................................................................................................58
11.5.1 Free Communication...............................................................................................58
11.5.2 Scan device list.......................................................................................................58
11.6 Script......................................................................................................................................59
11.6.1 Editor ......................................................................................................................59
11.6.2 List ..........................................................................................................................59
11.6.3 Python.....................................................................................................................59
12 MEASURING 60
12.1 Special safety instructions......................................................................................................60
12.2 Requirements.........................................................................................................................60
12.3 Possible Types of Measurement.............................................................................................61
12.3.1 Single Measurement...............................................................................................61
12.3.2 Caustic measurement.............................................................................................61
12.4 Brief Instruction for a first Single Measurement .....................................................................61
12.5 Measurement with a DBY-PS+ Detector ................................................................................65
13 DISCUSSION OF THE MEASURING RESULTS AND ERROR ANALYSIS 67
14 TROUBLESHOOTING 68
15 DETECTORS 69
15.1 Changing the Detector ...........................................................................................................70
16 MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE 72
17 TRANSPORT 72
18 MEASURES FOR THE PRODUCT DISPOSAL 72
19 DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY 73
20 TECHNICAL DATA 74

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21 DIMENSIONS 75
21.1 BeamMonitor BM+ 60 ............................................................................................................75
21.2 BeamMonitor BM+ 100 ..........................................................................................................76
22 APPENDIX 77
22.1 System control (option) ..........................................................................................................77
22.2 Description of the MDF file format..........................................................................................77
23 BASIS OF BEAM DIAGNOSIS 79
23.1 Laser beam parameter..........................................................................................................79
23.1.1 Rotationally symmetric beams................................................................................79
23.1.2 Non rotationally symmetric beams:.........................................................................80
23.2 Calculation of beam data .......................................................................................................81
23.2.1 Determination of the zero level ...............................................................................81
23.2.2 Determination of the beam position ........................................................................82
23.2.3 Radius determination with the 2nd moment method of the
power density distribution .......................................................................................82
23.2.4 Radius determination with the method of the 86 % power inclusion .....................83
23.2.5 Further radius definitions (option)...........................................................................84

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PRIMES - the company
PRIMES is a manufacturer of measuring devices used for the characterization of laser beams.These devices
are used for the diagnostics of high power lasers that range from high power CO2-lasers and solid-state
to fiber lasers and diode lasers. A great variety of measuring devices for the determination of the following
parameters is available:
• The laser power
• The beam dimensions and the beam position of an unfocussed beam
• The beam dimensions and the beam position of a focussed beam
• The diffraction index M²
Both the development and the production of the measuring devices are effected by PRIMES.This is how we
ensure an optimal quality, excellent service and a short reaction time which is the basis to meet our custom-
ers‘ requirements fast and reliably.
Max-Planck-Str. 2 - 64319 Pfungstadt -Germany- [email protected] - www.primes.de
35,0(6

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1 Basic safety instructions
Intended use
The BeamMonitor BM+ has been designed exclusively for measurements carried out in or near the optical
path of high-power lasers. Please observe and adhere to the specifications and limit values given in Chapter
„20 Technical Data“ on page 74. Other uses are considered to be improper. The information contained in
this operating manual must be strictly observed to ensure proper use of the device.
Using the device for unspecified use is strictly prohibited by the manufacturer. By usage other than intended
the device can be damaged or destroyed. This poses an increased health hazard up to fatal injuries. When
operating the device, it must be ensured that there are no potential hazards to human health.
The device itself does not emit any laser radiation. During the measurement, however, the laser beam is
guided onto the device which causes reflected radiation (laser class 4). That is why the applying safety
regulations are to be observed and necessary protective measures need to be taken.
Observing applicable safety regulations
Personal protection is required when humans are present in a dangerous zone with uncovered visible or
invisible laser radiation or particularly uncovered laser beam systems, beam guiding systems or process
regions. This holds true for any application of this equipment. During measurement procedures there is
always an unavoidable risk of laser radiation through direct or reflected emissions. The applicable safety
regulations are stipulated in ISO/CEN/TR standards as well as in the IEC-60825-1 regulation, in ANSI Z
136 “Laser Safety Standards” and ANSI Z 136.1 “Safe Use of Lasers”, published by the American National
Standards Institute, and additional publications, such as the “Laser Safety Basics”, the “LIA Laser Safety
Guide”, the “Guide for the Selection of Laser Eye Protection” and the “Laser Safety Bulletin”, published by
the Laser Institute of America, as well as the “Guide of Control of Laser Hazards” by ACGIH.
Taking necessary safety measures
If there are people present within the danger zone of visible or invisible laser radiation, for example near
laser systems that are only partly covered, open beam guidance systems or laser processing areas, the
following safety measures need to be taken:
• Please wear safety goggles (OD 6) adapted to the power, power density, laser wave length and
operating mode of the laser beam source in use.
• Please protect yourself from direct laser radiation, scattered radiation as well as from beams
generated from laser radiation (for example by using appropriate shielding walls or by weakening the
radiation to a harmless level).
• Please use beam guidance – or beam absorber elements which do not emit any hazardous particles
as soon as they get in contact with laser radiation and which resist the beam sufficiently.
• Please install safety switches and / or emergency safety mechanisms which enable an immediate
closure of the laser shutter.
• Ensure that the device is mounted securely to prevent any movement of the device relative to the
beam axis and thus reduce the risk of scattered radiation. This in the only way to ensure optimum
performance during the measurement.
Employing qualified personnel
Das Gerät darf ausschließlich durch Fachpersonal bedient werden. Das Fachpersonal muss in die Montage
und Bedienung des Gerätes eingewiesen sein und grundlegende Kenntnisse über die Arbeit mit Hochleis-
tungslasern, Strahlführungssystemen und Fokussiereinheiten haben.
Modifications
The manufacturer and the distributor of the measuring devices do not claim liability for damages or injuries
of any kind resulting from an improper use or handling of the devices or the associated software. Neither the

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manufacturer nor the distributor can be held liable by the buyer or the user for damages to people, material
or financial losses due to a direct or indirect use of the measuring devices.
Liability disclaimer
The manufacturer and the distributor of the measuring devices do not claim liability for damages or injuries
of any kind resulting from an improper use or handling of the devices or the associated software. Neither
the manufacturer nor the distributor can be held liable by the buyer or the user for damages to people or
material or financial losses due to a direct or indirect use of the measuring devices.

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2 Symbol explanations
The following symbols and signal words indicate possible residual risks:
DANGER
means that death or serious physical injuries will occur if necessary safety precautions are not taken.
WARNING
means that death or serious physical injuries can occur if necessary safety precautions are not taken.
CAUTION
means that a slight physical injury can occur if necessary safety precautions are not taken.
NOTICE
means that property damages can occur if necessary safety precautions are not taken.
The device itself or the packing bears the following symbols to indicate requirements and possible
dangers:
Warning of hand injuries
Read and observe the operating instructions and safety guidelines before the
start-up!
Further symbols that are not security relevant:
iHere you can find useful information and helpful tips.
With the CE designation, the manufacturer guarantees that its product meets the requirements of
the relevant EC guidelines.
Call for action

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3 About this operating manual
This documentation describes the work with the BeamMonitor BM+ and the operation with the “LaserDiag-
nosticsSoftware” (in the following called “LDS”).
As far as the description of the software is concerned, the focus lies upon the configuration- and communi-
cation settings as well as the measuring operation.
iThis operating manual describes the software version v2.98.8, which is applicable at the time of
printing. Due to the fact that the user software is continuously advanced, it may be possible that
the attached installation CD bears a different version number.The correct functioning of the device,
however, is ensured with the software.
Should you have any questions, please be so kind as to provide us with the software version installed on
your computer. The software version, the creation date as well as the Windows® version our LaserDiagnos-
ticsSoftware was programmed for can be found in the following menu item: Help>>About LaserDiag-
nosticsSoftware.
Fig. 3.1: Information regarding the latest software version

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4 Introduction
4.1 Laser beam measurement
Laser beams in industrial applications, whether they be CO2, Nd:YAG- diode or fibre lasers, work with invis-
ible beams in the infra-red or near infra-red spectral range (NIR). Hence changes in beam quality or power
cannot be detected visually, and only become evident from the outcome of their application. Under some
circumstances, this results in very expensive rejects being produced.
If the deterioration in quality is not recognised in the manufacturing process, this usually results in the sub-
sequent failure of the product in use, with consequences for the manufacturer of rectification, replacement
and loss of image.
This is where PRIMES beam diagnostics devices for measuring beam quality, focusability and laser power
come in. Process monitoring in production with laser beam diagnostics devices by PRIMES enables con-
sistent quality assurance and allows the timely detection and elimination of malfunctions of laser beams.
PRIMES measuring devices allow the reliable recording of current beam parameters, and enable ongoing
documentation of beam properties for quality assurance purposes. This is a requirement that should not be
underestimated in many industrial areas, such as automotive or medical technology.
With PRIMES devices for beam diagnostics, troubleshooting of laser applications is simplified considerably.
The beam intensity profile, beam diameter, beam caustic before and after focusing, and laser power to be
applied are directly measured and analysed. Based on the readings and their evaluation, maintenance and
servicing personnel can work in a targeted way on repair. Loss of time and system downtimes due to “trying
out” possible causes of the problem are effectively avoided.
The same applies to process optimisation and approval of process windows in laser material processing.
Only if the focal position and focal dimension and also the intensity profile of the laser beam are known, can
processes such as laser beam cutting, welding or drilling be adjusted to the particular component geometry,
materials be selected and the breadth of process windows be determined reliably.

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5 System description
The BeamMonitor BM+ (see Fig. 5.1) is a device to analyze the spatial power density distribution of the
raw beam of CO2or NIR lasers. Results of the measurements are beam radius, beam position and power
density profile.
The BeamMonitor BM+ is using the scanning measuring principle. Its dimensions are adapted to the raw-
beam diameter which needs a larger aperture. The BeamMonitor BM+ has no z-axis. Due to the availability
of different detectors, it is possible to use the BeamMonitor BM+ with a wide range of wavelengths and
power densities.
Laser beam
x
y
Fig. 5.1: Optomechanical assembly of the BeamMonitor BM+
6 Conditions at the installation site
• The measuring devices must not be operated in a condensing atmosphere.
• The ambient air must be free of organic trace gases.
• Please protect the devices from water and dust.
• Operate the measuring devices in closed rooms only.
DANGER
Fire an explosion hazards due to laser radiation
Scattered radiation is developed during the measurement.
Do not store ammable materials or highly ammable substances in the area of measurement.

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7 Installation
7.1 Preparation
The measuring device must be assembled stably and must be affixed by means of screws (see chapterl
7.4 on page 15).
DANGER
Fire hazard; Damaging/Destruction of the device
After passing the device, the laser beam has to be absorbed completely. Fire bricks or other
partly-absorbing surfaces are not suitable!
Please use an adequate absorber, e.g. the PRIMES PowerMonitor.
7.2 Installation position
The BeamMonitor BM+ can also be mounted horizontally or vertically.
Mounting surface
BeamMonitor BM+
Mounting surface
BeamMonitor BM+
Mounting surface
BeamMonitor BM+
Mounting surface
BeamMonitor BM+
Horizontal mounting Vertikal mounting
Beam incidence
Fig. 7.1: Mounting options for the BeamMonitor BM+
7.3 Alignment
The BeamMonitor BM+ has to be positioned correctly and a solid assembly needs to be ensured.The beam
has to hit the measuring aperture perpendicular and centrally.
DANGER
Serious eye or skin injury due to laser radiation
If the proportion of the laser beam diameter with regard to the diameter of the aperture is
too large, scattered radiation could occur during the measurement operation.
The laser beam diameter must not exceed 0.7 times the aperture diameter.
Especially in case of a high beam quality, we would recommend to remain below 0.6. Otherwise, a falsification
of the measuring results due to the cutting off of border fields is to be expected. Especially when it comes
to the determination of radii according to the 2nd-moments-method, problems are possible. Moreover, there
is a danger of a heating up of the housing.

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7.4 Mounting
DANGER
Serious eye or skin injury due to laser radiation
If the appropriate position of the measuring device is changed, this could cause increased
scattered radiation during the measurement.
When mounting the device, please ensure that it cannot be moved, neither due to an unin-
tended push or a pull on the cables and hoses.
NOTICE
Damage/Destruction of the device
Due to screws which are too long, internal components could be destroyed.
Please consider, that the fastening screws must only extend up to 10 mm into the housing.
There are four tapped holes M6 in the mounting surface of the housing intended for the customer’s mount-
ing. Please use at least four screws to fasten the device. The total length of the screws depends on the
dimensions of the customer’s mounting. The dimensioned order of the fixing holes can be found in chapter
19 on page 73.

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8 Electrical connections
The BeamMonitor BM+ require a supply voltage of 24 V ±10 % (DC) for the operation. A fitting power supply
is part of the scope of delivery. Only use cables with an equipment grounding conductor in order to connect
the power supply unit with the local electricity network.
A further device, such as a PowerMonitor PM, can be connected to the BeamMonitor BM+ via the RS485
interface (PRIMES bus). The signal from the PM is forwarded through the BeamMonitor BM+ to the PC via
the Ethernet interface. The additional measuring device is electrically supplied via the power supply of the
BeamMonitor BM+.
iBefore connecting the PC via the Ethernet interface, you must install the LDS software on the
computer (see chapter 9.2 on page 20).
Power On/Off
Power In
BM+
BeamMonitor
Ethernet
PRIMES-Bus
RS 485
RS485
On/Off-Switch Status display Ethernet connection
Power supply connection
Fig. 8.1: Connections of the BeamMonitor BM+
iPlease ensure that all electrical connections are established before starting the software!

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Power supply connection
Harting M12-P-PCB-THR-2PC-5P-LCOD-M-STR
Pin Function
1+24 V
2 Not assigned
3 GND
4 Not assigned
5 FE
Tab. 8.1: Connection socket for the power supply
PRIMES Bus
Pole arrangement D-Sub-socket, 9 pole (view of plug-in side)
15
6
9
Pin Function
1 GND
2 RS 485 (+)
3+24 V
4 Trigger RS 485 (+)
5 Not assigned
6 GND
7 RS 485 (–)
8+24 V
9 Trigger RS 485 (–)
Tab. 8.2: D-Submin-socket, PRIMES-Bus
In case you would like to use self-configured cables, please keep the following aspects in mind:
• The length of the cable reaching from the power supply to the measuring device must not exceed 1.8 m.
Otherwise the voltage drop of the cable would be too high.
• Please use shielded cable only and observe, that the shielding is efficient continuously.
• The cable length between the BeamMonitor BM+ and the second device (via RS485) must neither
exceed 2 m.

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8.1 Connection BeamMonitor BM+ with the standard power supply and the PC (example)
Power On/Off
Power In
BM+
BeamMonitor
Ethernet
PRIMES-Bus
RS 485
Ethernet Crossover Cable
Ethernet
PC
BeamMonitor BM+
PRIMES Power Supply
Fig. 8.2: Connection of the BeamMonitor BM+
Connect the BeamMonitor BM+ via a cross over cable with the PC or via a patch cable with the network.

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8.2 Operation of two measuring devices
Power On/Off
Power In
BM+
BeamMonitor
Ethernet
PRIMES-Bus
RS 485
Ethernet
PC
BeamMonitor BM+
PRIMES Power Supply
Error
Power
Interlock PRIMES-Bus
RS485
RS485
RS485
Analog
Out
USB
Clean
Compressed Air
Water Out
Water In
PM100
PowerMonitor
PowerMonitor 100
PRIMES Bus
RS485
Fig. 8.3: Connection of the BeamMonitor BM+ and the PowerMonito
iFor connection of several devices please use only one power supply (typically PRIMES power
supply).
NOTICE
There is a danger of damage
When disconnecting the bus connections during the operation (when the system is con-
nected with the supply voltage), voltage peaks can develop which could destroy communi-
cation modules of the measuring devices.
Please turn off the power supply before disconnecting the bus cables.

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9 Status display
The status display consists of a light ring, which indicates different states of the BeamMonitor BM+ by dif-
ferent colors and static or rotating light.
Color Lighting state Meaning
White The entire ring illumi-
nates
The supply voltage is applied
Yellow Rotating light The measuring tip rotates
Red Rotating light The measuring tip rotates and the y-axis is moved
-->measurement is running
Fig. 9.1: States of the status display