Development of high brightness blue lasers that can process copper materials has been increasingly expected to implement a highly efficient processing and downsizing that help to achieve Green Transformation (GX). In order to meet this expectation, the high brightness blue laser oscillator has been developed. Based on the Direct Diode Laser (DDL) method which uses a semiconductor blue laser as a direct light source and our unique Wavelength Beam Combining (WBC) technology, it has achieved 2.1 (kW) of an output power, 3.2 (mm mrad) of Beam Parameter Product (BPP) indicating the beam quality. This laser oscillator can establish a penetration welding of the copper materials with over 2 (mm) in thickness. Development of the pulse power circuit has helped to produce a high current pulse power supply which provides 10 (kHz) of the frequency, 4.8 (μsec) of the rise time, and 0.8 (μsec) of the fall time. Furthermore, the copper plate welding experiment conducted with the pulse power has demonstrated a 3.5-fold higher precision processing compared to the continuous wave driving processing in terms of the aspect ratio which shows the relationship between the welding width and depth.
Industrial high-power/high-brightness blue diode lasers are quickly becoming a preferred laser source for processing highly reflective materials such as copper, stainless steel, and Aluminum.This paper focuses on the recent advances applying Wavelength Beam Combining (WBC) technology to diode bars emitting in the 445nm region. We will present results from latest developments in power scaling introducing an 800W Blue laser coupled with fiber diameters ≤50um while providing a beam parameter product of < 2.2 mm*mrad. Next, we will share applications results using these blue lasers at various power levels in a variety of processes including micro welding and engraving, conduction mode welding, keyhole welding and cutting of thin metal sheets.Finally, we will discuss the future of this technology regarding power scaling beyond 800W and combining our blue laser sources with multi-kilowatt high brightness diode lasers operating in the 975nm region to achieve improved applications results.
KEYWORDS: Laser processing, Laser applications, Copper, Laser welding, Reflectivity, Near infrared, High power lasers, Semiconductor lasers, Blue light emitting diodes
High power DDL operating in the 445 nm region are rapidly evolving as one of the preferred laser technologies for welding, cutting, and engraving of highly reflective materials. Until recently, industrial blue laser sources have lacked the beam quality for performing remote processing of materials at the large working distances that are often preferred in many processes. In this paper we will demonstrate laser material processing results obtained with a new generation of industrial blue lasers with BPP of 1.4 mm*mrad. We will present results from remote laser processes including, conduction welding, keyhole welding, and engraving at long working distances.
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