Twin spot laser welding.

摘要

A novel multiple spot laser welding apparatus includes a bendable mirror (20) means capable of deformation receives a laser beam (13) at a single reflective surface thereof. Deformation means forms the single reflective surface of the bendable mirror (20) to provide a plurality of laser sub-beams to a workpiece (42, 44) generating laser spots (46, 48) on surfaces thereof. The apparatus can be used in a laser welding method that provides a common weld pool formed by laser spots transverse to the weld seam. Another laser welding method provides multiple laser spots oriented along a weld seam (40) producing a common weld pool therebetween. Still another laser welding method provides multiple laser spots along a weld seam (40) producing distinct weld pools.