New materials processing capabilities using a high brightness, 3 kW diode-pumped, YAG laser

TRW has developed the DP-23 laser, a new high-brightness, 3 kW diode-pumped Nd:YAG laser that has demonstrated novel materials processing capabilities. The measured beam quality is 2.4 times the diffraction-limit, providing on-axis peak intensities at the workpiece more than two orders of magnitude greater than conventional lamp-pumped Nd:YAG lasers for a common focal length and f-number when operating at 20% duty cycle. This leads to the ability to perform deep-section cutting and deep-penetration welding processes that are not possible with conventional industrial lasers. Weld depths greater than 35 mm were achieved in mild steel and Inconel, with aspect ratios of 30:1. DP-23 welds are similar to those produced by e-beam welding, but the need for a vacuum chamber is eliminated. In addition to very deep, narrow welds the DP-23 laser proved capable of cutting >30 mm thick Inconel 600 and titanium.