5-kW lamp-pumped Nd:YAG lasers and their applications

Design and performance details of a 5-kW cw arc-lamp-pumped Nd:YAG laser are given. Two types of 5-kW Nd:YAG lasers have been developed, which have enough laser power and beam intensity necessary to realize deep penetration and high speed welding of metals. Experiments of welding and thick plate cutting were performed in order to investigate the ability of 5-kW Nd:YAG lasers. Maximum penetration of 15 mm is achieved with stainless steel and that of 6 mm with aluminum alloys. Moreover high speed welding up to 8 m/min is realized.