LASER FANTASY - FROM MACHINING TO WELDING

Previously, the profiles of laser-drilled holes and laser-produced wel ds were often considered independently. In this paper, the model used to predict the profile-of-drill, based on the concept of threshold int ensity, has been extended to apply deep-penetration laser welding. The common ground for laser-drilling and -welding, as well as their diver gences, are discussed. The present model making use of the laws of Gau ssian optics, thus forms the basis of an alternative approach to the p rediction of the profile of keyholds and, eventually, the profile of l aser-processed welds.