Innovative high power lasers for welding applications

Abstract

From process considerations and economical reasons, an ideal welding laser should provide the necessary power at short wavelength and the highest possible beam quality at a high overall efficiency. The concept of a diode-pumped Yb:YAG thin disc laser, in principle, fulfills these requirements at the same time. Its characteristic features are discussed and results of fundamental theoretical and experimental investigations are presented. Performance data of first industrial devices underline the advantages that can be expected from this design: a power of 1.5 kW is delivered through a 0.15 mm fiber at an optical-to-electrical efficiency of 27%. Some preliminary results of welding studies with up to four of such devices demonstrate its great potential for thin metal sheet welding and many other applications where the achievement of well-defined slender weld seams is essential.