The choice: Welding with CO{sub 2} or Nd:YAG lasers
The recent commercial availability of multi-kilowatt Nd:YAG lasers has opened new avenues for rapid laser processing as well as intensified the competition (cost effectiveness) between CO{sub 2} and Nd:YAG laser systems. Vendors offering Nd:YAG laser systems may claim lower operating costs (than CO{sub 2}) and fiberoptic beam delivery flexibility while CO{sub 2} systems vendors may emphasize lower capital cost and well established processing requirements and experience. The capital and operating costs of a laser system are impacted by demand and supply economics and technological advances. Frequently the total cost of a workcell using a laser for processing has to be considered rather than the laser system alone. Consequently it is not very practical to approach the selection of a laser system based on its capital cost and estimated operating cost only. This presentation describes a more pragmatic approach to aid the user in the selection of the optimal multi-kilowatt laser system for a particular processing requirement with emphasis on welding. CO{sub 2} laser systems are well established on the factory floor. Consequently, emphasis is given to the comparative application of Nd:YAG lasers, process requirements and performance. Requirements for the laser welding of different metals are examined in the context of hardware (laser system and beam delivery) selection and examples of welding speeds that can be achieved using CO{sub 2} and Nd:YAG lasers are examined.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Lab., IL (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-31109-ENG-38
- OSTI ID:
- 71624
- Report Number(s):
- ANL/TD/CP--85711; CONF-9503113--2; ON: DE95011825
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Characteristics of CO{sub 2} and Nd:YAG laser welded high carbon steels
Refractory metal welding using a 3.3 kW diode pumped Nd:YAG laser.