Laser Beam Welding of Copper--Reduced pressure as key for sound welding of high plate thicknesses

摘要

Laser beam welding of copper, especially for comparatively high plate thicknesses and low welding speeds, is very challenging and critical welding defects are very likely to occur. By reducing the ambient pressure, it becomes possible to increase the process capability in a huge amount. The so called laser beam welding in vacuum (LaVa) process variant allows high quality welding of copper at welding speeds below 2 m/min and thereby a high penetration depth with a comparatively low laser power.