Methods of and apparatus for welding workpiece with laser beams

摘要

A laser beam welding apparatus has a first laser oscillator for applying a laser beam to a right-hand automobile door, a second laser oscillator for applying a laser beam to a left-hand automobile door, and first through fourth laser beam path changing mechanisms for changing the laser beam path of the laser beam from the first laser oscillator in the event of a failure of the second laser oscillator, and changing the laser beam path of the laser beam from the second laser oscillator in the event of a failure of the first laser oscillator. Even when one of the laser beam oscillators fails to operate due to a malfunction, an overall welding line combined with the laser beam welding apparatus does not need to be shut down, and the laser beam welding apparatus can smoothly and efficiently weld the workpieces.