Materials Processing Characteristics of a 2kW Class High Power Density Direct Diode Laser System

摘要

A 2kW class high power density direct diode laser materials processing system was developed and its processing characteristics were examined. By using a wavelength and polarization coupling method, an output power of over 2kW, a beam diameter of 0.96mm and a power density of 235kW/cm~2 were achieved at the focal point. The processing characteristics of the high power density direct diode laser were evaluated for stainless steel and mild steel. Strong laser plasma formation was observed at a power density of over 100kW/cm~2. By suppressing this plasma with assist gas, full penetration single pass welding was successfully achieved for a 5mm thick SUS304 stainless steel plate at a welding speed of 0.24m/min with a parallel bead shape and no welding defects. High speed welding of 1mm thick thin mild steel plate was also achieved at a welding speed of 4m/min.