Recent results from material processing studies on new generation lasers.

摘要

High power and radiance dye lasers developed at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory show promise for material processing tasks. Evaluation using welding heat flow models suggests significant increases in precision and speed are expected. We started processing studies to determine the viability of these lasers for cutting and drilling. Titanium and stainless steel alloys were chosen as materials for the preliminary studies. Results show that cuts and holes with extremely fine features can be made with dye and copper-vapor lasers. High radiance beams produce low distortion and small heat affected zones. We have accomplished very high aspect ratios and micronmeter scale kerfs and holes in both stainless steel and titanium alloys.