| Abstract: | Cutting and Welding Using a CO2-Laser. Among the various types of lasers the CO2 laser is particulary suitable for materials working. It has a very high efficienty (15–20 %) and a high output power (up to several kW). When the laser light is focused by means of a lens or a mirror, a power density of more than 109 W/cm2 is attained in continuous operation. The laser need not be applied in vacuum. The CO2 laser is a suitable cutting tool for numerous materials, e. g. for metals such as titanium or steel, for combustible materials such as paper, textiles, wood, and plastics, and also for hard and brittle materials such as aluminium oxide and silicon carbide. If the metals are cut in an oxidizing atmosphere, the cutting speed may be increased. The cutting width however is determined by the size of the laser spot. In addition, experiments are reported in which the CO2 laser was used for welding steel, titanium, plastics, quartz, and glass. The advantages of the laser for this application are discussed. Another important field of application is the growth of single crystals. In several fields the laser is in competition with the electron gun. Therefore, the laser technique is compared with the electron beam technique. |
