Automation

摘要

Diffusion-cooled CO_2 laser welding is the process of choice at Laser Armor Tech, a subsidiary of Cook, Inc., San Diego, Calif., for the production of stainless steel sheathed fiber-optic cables used in harsh environments for both voice and data communication systems — Fig. 1. The jacketing process of the fiber-optic strands is complex for several reasons. First, the protective metal is typically 0.003-0.008 in. (0.076-0.20 mm) thick. Second, the tubing, ranging in finished sizes from 0.031-0.250 in. (0.078-6.35 mm) diameter, is formed and welded with the fiber optics in place. And third, once a run is started, there can be no interruptions.