Energy Characteristics of the Laser Beam in Laser Welding Machines
With continuous technological advancements, laser welding technology is also undergoing constant improvement. We all know that laser welding machines primarily rely on laser beams to function, so what are the characteristics of the energy in these laser beams? Today, the editor from Top Optics Laser Technology will briefly introduce them to you. Energy Characteristics of Laser Beams in Laser Welding Machines
The energy characteristics of a laser beam include beam power and power density, continuous/pulsed output, and laser beam polarization. For laser welding, it is widely recognized that weld penetration depth is essentially linearly proportional to laser power. In laser welding, the primary factor is the laser power density value. This is because different materials possess a critical power density threshold. Only when the power density at the laser focal point exceeds this threshold can the “keyhole effect” be achieved, enabling deep penetration welding.
The beam mode characteristics encompass beam quality, beam mode, and the cross-sectional energy distribution of the beam. The beam mode determines the energy distribution at the focal point, significantly influencing laser processing outcomes.
When the laser beam is in the fundamental mode, it achieves greater weld penetration depth and depth-to-width ratio. As the beam mode order increases, the energy distribution becomes more divergent, leading to poorer weld quality. Laser beams with different beam focusing characteristic parameter values K affect weld quality: a higher K value results in poorer quality and a smaller depth-to-width ratio. The power density required for material keyhole formation depends not only on average power density but primarily on peak power density, which is closely related to the cross-sectional energy distribution.
The relationship between laser welding equipment quality and beam mode characteristics involves beam mode properties such as beam quality, beam mode, and cross-sectional energy distribution. The beam mode determines the energy distribution at the focal point, significantly impacting laser processing.
These represent the energy characteristics of the laser beam in laser welding machines. Additionally, laser welding machines eliminate the need for electrodes, thereby avoiding concerns about electrode contamination or damage. Since it is a non-contact welding process, tool wear and deformation can be minimized. The energy characteristics of the laser beam in laser welding machines primarily include the laser beam's wavelength and the beam's power and power density.