| 摘要 |
<p>A laser welder (10) is provided comprising an optical fiber (28), a wheel (26) including a slot for receiving an article to be welded, the optical fiber mounted to and wound upon the wheel (26) as the wheel is rotated to bring the fiber around the article, and a sleeve for sealing to the article to establish a chamber surrounding the weld zone, the sleeve (16) having a curved window (68) for transmitting the laser light from the fiber to the weld zone. In another aspect, the invention provides the sealing sleeve for use in laser welding, the sleeve preferably includes a polymer ring (78) deformable the clamp the sleeve to the article and center the article along an axis of the sleeve. Pressurized inert gas is preferably introduced to the weld zone chamber to reduce oxidation and vaporization. In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method of welding articles.</p> |
