TWI Industrial Member Report Summary 29/1976
By R C Crafer, J T Pauley, D I Bishop and P J Hyland
Background
The Institute's 2kW CO2 gas laser has been upgraded to 2.5kW routine continuous output power with a maximum power of 2.7kW. This has been achieved by detailed adjustments of both the gas flow nozzles and the resonator optics. This has resulted in not only higher output powers and tube efficiencies, but also greater reliability and higher power densities at the workpiece.
As a result of these modifications, the Institute's laser can now weld thicker or faster than other lasers of similar or even higher powers. For example, it can now weld with a reasonable weld profile 6mm thick stainless steel or 3mm thick aluminium alloy.