When it comes to laser powder bed fusion, the constancy of the laser parameters is of great importance. Both, the manufacturers of the laser systems and the users thereof should be aware of the quality of the focused beam. As measuring a (high power) laser beam in the limited space of a production chamber is a challenge, new measurement technology had to be developed. Today, different technologies are available to measure the focused beam quickly and cost-effectively within the process. Especially for regulated industries it is key to measure the laser beam parameters in compliance with ISO standards.

The paper introduces the relevant measurement parameters for LPBF processes and depicts challenges in gaining those. It compares different measurement technologies and introduces suitable devices that can be used in regulated industries as they are based on international standards. Innovative technology for measuring beams with different wavelengths and high-power densities are introduced.

LPBF offers an enormous potential for mass production of critical parts in many industries; to really take advantage of the benefits it is crucial to ensure high quality standards. The presentation aims to sensitize users of LPBF machines to regularly check the laser beam and introduces new solutions to measure high power laser beams in constraint building chambers and regulated industries.