Real-time detection of cooling rate using pyrometers in tandem in laser material processing and directed energy deposition

Abstract A novel method of monitoring cooling rates in real-time using two pyrometers arranged in tandem has been demonstrated. First pyrometer monitors the temperature at the center of the molten pool, second monitors the temperature at its tailing end. The difference in two pyrometer signals provides the temperature gradient at 1 kHz frequency from which cooling rate is determined in real-time using Arduino interface. Effectiveness of this method in real-time monitoring of cooling rate during laser remelting and additive manufacturing by directed energy deposition with varying process parameters and layer number is demonstrated.