The Radiant World of Precision Mechanics
Lasers have long been an indispensable tool of joining technology. For many applications at Bosch, there isn’t an alternative method that can weld two metal parts together so “gently.” Of the many laser types and techniques, Bosch researchers use those that are most suitable for the task they are applied for in precision manufacturing.
In addition to the familiar semiconductor diode lasers that scan the disks in a CD drive, there are many other types of lasers with a great number of different properties – it’s something of a small science in itself.
In precision manufacturing at Bosch, though, two properties matter more than any other: the power output of the laser and the beam quality. The first property is chosen according to the material to be welded together and its thickness. For steel and aluminum, outputs of 200 watts to six kilowatts are needed; plastics require 50 to 500 watts. As a basis for comparison: A diode laser in a CD player or laser pointer has an output of only a few milliwatts.
The beam quality is a measure of how well the energy can be focused for welding. How well the energy can be concentrated at a point in a defined and controlled way determines how easy it is to reap the benefits of laser welding. When the beam quality is high, the component is subjected to less distortion. In fact, the low thermal stress during welding and the short bonding times with high service quality are precisely the benefits that are leading Bosch researchers to increasingly opt for laser technology in precision welding.
The “thin disk laser,” for instance – the latest laser innovation and a revolution for production engineers – was adapted in collaboration with industry partners and university researchers for use in manufacturing. By virtue of its design, the thin disk laser has a higher efficiency rating and can be cooled more easily, and this results in improved beam quality. That’s why the Bosch researchers are predicting that, when it comes to precision welding, the future will most likely be dominated by the thin disk laser.
And the next candidate for development has already appeared on the scene as well – the fiber laser. In this case, the lasing material is a specially doped glass fiber that’s wound up as simply as a ball of wool. This means that the fiber laser can do without active cooling and has an even higher efficiency rating and a better beam quality. Lab results are also forecasting a bright future for this laser type.
In precision manufacturing at Bosch, though, two properties matter more than any other: the power output of the laser and the beam quality. The first property is chosen according to the material to be welded together and its thickness. For steel and aluminum, outputs of 200 watts to six kilowatts are needed; plastics require 50 to 500 watts. As a basis for comparison: A diode laser in a CD player or laser pointer has an output of only a few milliwatts.
The beam quality is a measure of how well the energy can be focused for welding. How well the energy can be concentrated at a point in a defined and controlled way determines how easy it is to reap the benefits of laser welding. When the beam quality is high, the component is subjected to less distortion. In fact, the low thermal stress during welding and the short bonding times with high service quality are precisely the benefits that are leading Bosch researchers to increasingly opt for laser technology in precision welding.
The “thin disk laser,” for instance – the latest laser innovation and a revolution for production engineers – was adapted in collaboration with industry partners and university researchers for use in manufacturing. By virtue of its design, the thin disk laser has a higher efficiency rating and can be cooled more easily, and this results in improved beam quality. That’s why the Bosch researchers are predicting that, when it comes to precision welding, the future will most likely be dominated by the thin disk laser.
And the next candidate for development has already appeared on the scene as well – the fiber laser. In this case, the lasing material is a specially doped glass fiber that’s wound up as simply as a ball of wool. This means that the fiber laser can do without active cooling and has an even higher efficiency rating and a better beam quality. Lab results are also forecasting a bright future for this laser type.
To the point: Lasers weld components, solder electronic circuits, engrave item codes and harden surfaces.
