Abstract: An improved method of laser processing of a material by directing a laser beam against the material comprises providing the beam with a power waveform with respect to time characterized by a plurality of peak power pulses and a predetermined CW power level between the peak power pulses such that the average beam power maintained is equal to or greater than the predetermined CW power level of the beam. The method is particularly adapted for cutting material such as aluminum, copper and stainless steel with improved cut quality at a relatively high cutting speed and for welding.

Abstract: A method of forming a continuous laser butt weld between two members is disclosed. The method comprises providing two members to be butt welded, positioning respective edges of the members in abutting contact with the two members being canted slightly with respect to one another so that the butt joint formed by the edges is open toward a first side of the member, with the edges contacting one another toward a second side of the members opposite the first side, and directing a high energy density laser beam at the butt joint from the first side of the members so that at least a portion of the laser beam extends into the open side of the butt joint to the edges, while urging the edges of the two members in the direction of the butt joint for butt welding the members.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for high speed welding are disclosed wherein a continuous weld is formed at high speed along a member with a plurality of overlapping welds formed by pulses of high density energy from a pulsed high energy density welding device such as an electronically pulsed gas laser. The movement of the member being welded is detected in the vicinity of the pulsed laser. The pulsed laser is controlled in response to the detected movement so that the energy for welding from the pulses per unit length of the member being welded is accurately controlled. The control of the laser involves pulsing of the laser in response to the detected movement of the member so that the pitch of the overlapping welds along the member is substantially constant. Also, the power of the laser pulses is controlled and adjusted in a predetermined manner in response to the detected movements.

Abstract: Laser beam welding apparatus comprising a body with a passage through which the laser beam is directed and focused to a position outside the body closely adjacent to a terminal portion of the passage. A second passage opens into the first to direct a transverse jet of shielding gas to sweep away the plasma formed during welding through an aperture in the opposite wall of the first passage. Since the welding zone is virtually enclosed by the body the incidence of air entrainment by the transverse jet of shielding gas is minimized.