CROSS JET LASER WELDING NOZZLE

摘要

A compact nozzle for laser welding is provided that includes an air knife cross-jet to protect the laser optic, coaxially supplied process shield gas and active air cooling in a singular and compact nozzle. Generally, the nozzle includes a mounting interface at a first end to connect to the laser processing device. An air knife section is positioned adjacent the mounting interface and the optical output of the laser so that the air knife flow can protect the optic from plasma and spatter damage. Further the air flow in the air knife is directed through the nozzle for direct cooling. Adjacent the air knife is the process gas shield that is isolated from the air knife such that the process gas is not contaminated by flow from the air knife.

主权项

1. A nozzle for a laser welding system that directs a laser beam along an optical axis through an optic onto a work piece, said nozzle comprising:
a first gas directing section that directs a first airflow through said laser beam in a direction substantially perpendicular to said optical axis of said laser beam and a second airflow to through cooling passages in said nozzle; and a second gas directing section that directs a process gas flow through a passageway in said nozzle to a process gas reservoir concentric with said laser beam an output end of said nozzle, said process gas filling the pathway of said laser beam.