High Power Fiber Laser Welding Applications in Industry

In recent years, with more attention being focused on the economy, manufacturing has come under increasing pressure to offer more cost competitive solutions. Globalization and the rising cost of labour have placed increasing pressure on companies to automate and offer faster yet more accurate processing. With the inception of Fiber Laser technology, Fiber Lasers have reduced the price of the one micron wavelength to approximately one third of the 2006 prices. This reduction is also complimented by higher laser reliability and minimal heat affected zone. Laser welding is now at the forefront of many markets including mining, automotive, medical, and nuclear and includes cladding, welding, and heat-treating. This presentation focuses on the welding process, its benefits to future welding techniques and current implementations.