TRUMPF Introduces 4kW Disk Laser with Optimum Beam Quality

TRUMPF will introduce the first 4 kW disk laser, the HLD 4002, to the North American market at IMTS 2004. Four discs provide the power in the resonator of this prototype and result in an excellent beam quality of 7 mm/mrad. This high quality beam is coupled to a fiber with a core diameter of just 200 microns. The 4 kW laser is an improvement of the HLD 1001.5 previously introduced by TRUMPF. The 4 kW disk laser will be shown in the TRUMPF booth (# 6108) at IMTS 2004, which will be held in Chicago, Illinois from September 8 to 15.

"The unique design of the disk laser results in virtually no thermal lensing," says Tim Morris, high-power Nd:YAG product manager at the TRUMPF Laser Technology Center in Plymouth Hills, Michigan. "The beam quality is therefore much better than traditional rod systems. In addition, its efficiency is much higher compared with traditional solid-state lasers."

In the case of aluminum welding, the threshold intensity is reached with lower power and a small focus. The small focus diameter also provides an advantage (speed) when cutting thin sheet metal.

When cutting or welding thick sheet metal, the beam quality of the disk laser is transposed to greater work distance and depth of field. As a result, processing optics can be designed to be more compact. "This is advantageous when welding or cutting areas are difficult to reach or when the focusing optics are integrated into the machining station," adds Morris. "The disk laser also opens up a whole new field of applications in remote welding with solid-state lasers."

For more information contact:

      Tim Morris

      TRUMPF Inc. Laser Technology Center

      47711 Clipper Street

      Plymouth, MI 48170

      734-354-9770

      Fax: 734-354-9769

      www.us.trumpf.com

      E-mail: timothy.morris@us.trumpf.com

      IMTS Booth #6108