Comparison of different system technologies for continuous-wave laser beam welding of copper

Abstract

Due to the high-reflective characteristic of copper materials, welding with infrared lasers can be challenging and tends to a low process stability. New high-power laser sources and system technologies got introduced in the last years, promising better process stability and increased weld penetration for copper welding. Currently there are different approaches applied in industry: Wobble welding with a fast scanner; a variable, superimposed intensity distribution with a 2-in-1 fiber; or the use of laser sources with a visible wavelength (e.g. green). The current state of the art of these three technologies and their direct comparison with regard to the weldability of copper is discussed in this paper. The weld seams are compared in terms of seam quality, maximum welding depth and process speed. In addition, the possibility of a combination of considered system technologies is discussed.