Process-reliable & cost-effective laser materials processing

LIMO has developed the new generation DIOCUT systems with an output power of 1.3kW and 2kW out of a 400µm core fiber NA0.12. Direct fiber coupled diode lasers have the potential to be most efficient in comparison to other laser approaches since it works without a brightness converter as a key component. Based on LIMÒs unique production technology special free-form refractive optics were developed that enable highest coupling efficiency and consequently a wall-plug efficiency including cooling system of 30% for the total laser system. To demonstrate the benefits of direct diode lasers in the kW power range, concepts, data of laser characterization as well as application results are presented in this paper. Cutting samples of various materials from steel to aluminum alloys up to 10mm were fabricated with high velocity. Reduced roughness of the cut edge (6mm stainless steel: Rz < 10µm) is one major cutting quality improvement.