COMBINED LASER AND PLASMA-ARC PROCESSING TORCH AND METHOD

摘要

A combined laser and plasma-arc welding torch, which joins features of separate laser and plasma-arc welding devices in a single tool. A laser beam is directed by an optic system to be co-linear with the central axis of a plasma-arc torch. The laser beam passes through a group of electrodes, whose longitudinal axes are disposed at an acute angle to the torch central axis o n the generatrix of a cone, the apex of which lies on the torch central axis close to the section plane of a constricting nozzle, and the base of which faces the main body of the torch. The electrodes may be both cathodes, or anodes, or cathodes and anodes. The welding torch may be additionally provid ed with a mechanism for additional constricting and stabilization of a plasma jet. Gas is forced through a chamber having the electrodes and nozzle at the chamber bottom end. Electrodes heated by the laser radiation cause the gas t o be ionized, forming a plasma-arc in the constricting nozzle. The laser beam passing through the nozzle comes to a focus and interacts with the plasma-ar c formed between the electrodes and a workpiece. The resulting interaction between the plasma-arc and the laser beam form a plasma-laser discharge whic h increases the energy density of the welding spot formed on the workpiece.