A cutting-edge solution for 1µm laser metal processing

N. Baumbach; P. Kühl; J. Karam; J. Jonkers; F. Villarreal-Saucedo; M. Reyes

doi:10.1117/12.2252077

22 February 2017 A cutting-edge solution for 1µm laser metal processing

N. Baumbach, P. Kühl, J. Karam, J. Jonkers, F. Villarreal-Saucedo, M. Reyes

Proceedings Volume 10097, High-Power Laser Materials Processing: Applications, Diagnostics, and Systems VI; 100970J (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2252077
Event: SPIE LASE, 2017, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

The recent 1μm-laser cutting market is dominated by fiber and disk lasers due to their excellent beam quality of below 4mm*mrad. Teradiode’s 4kW direct diode laser source achieves similar beam quality while having a different beam shape and shorter wavelengths which are known for higher absorption rates at the inclined front of the cutting keyhole. Research projects, such as the HALO Project, have additionally shown that polarized radiation and beams with shapes different from the typical LG00 lead to improved cut quality for ferrous and non-ferrous metals. [1] Diode laser have the inherent property of not being sensitive to back reflection which brings advantages in cutting high-reflective materials. The II-VI HIGHYAG laser cutting head BIMO-FSC offers the unique feature of machine controlled and continuous adjustment of both the focus diameter and the focus position. This feature is proven to be beneficial for cutting and piercing with high speed and small hole diameters. In addition, the optics are designed for lowest focus shift.

As a leading laser processing head manufacturer, II-VI HIGHYAG qualified its BIMO-FSC MZ (M=magnification, Z=focus position) cutting head for Teradiode’s 4kW direct diode laser source to offer a cutting-edge solution for highpower laser cutting. Combining the magnification ability of the cutting head with this laser source, customers experience strong advantages in cutting metals in broad thickness ranges. Thicknesses up to 25mm mild steel can easily be cut with excellent edge quality.

Furthermore, a new optical setup equivalent to an axicon with a variable axicon angle is demonstrated which generates variable sized ring spots. The setup provides new degrees of freedom to tailor the energy distribution for even higher productivity and quality.

Citation Download Citation

N. Baumbach, P. Kühl, J. Karam, J. Jonkers, F. Villarreal-Saucedo, and M. Reyes "A cutting-edge solution for 1µm laser metal processing", Proc. SPIE 10097, High-Power Laser Materials Processing: Applications, Diagnostics, and Systems VI, 100970J (22 February 2017); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2252077

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