Real-time monitoring of laser welding by correlation analysis: the case of AA5083

In this study, we present an innovative real-time laser welding monitoring technique employing the correlation analysis of the plasma plume optical spectra generated during the process. In order to look for a relationship between optical signals and welds quality, the influence of the experimental conditions on the correlation plots are also investigated. The correlation analysis results allow to evaluate the quality of the welds, through an on-line detection of common defects, such as oxidation or lack of penetration, with an excellent spatial resolution.