Over the past few years, cw- pumped Nd:YAG lasers with output powers of 1 kW to 3 kW have become available. In order to further increase the laser power to achieve higher welding speeds and welding depths, different methods for beam addition have been examined.

We set up four different methods for laser beam combination. Up to three Nd:YAG lasers of the 2 kW class were coupled, and used for deep penetration welding of aluminium and steel sheets. Butt and edge joints with up to 5 mm thick sheets of AlMgSil and AlMgMn4,5 were performed. Velocities of about 3 m/min in combination with filling wire and Helium shielding gas yielded satisfying results. The sheets of 1.5 mm thickness were best welded with 8m/min and a Ø 1mm filler wire delivery speed of 5-7 m/min.

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1997
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