Look Ahead: an oscillating laser head for joining, cutting

The welDYNA laser scan head from SCANLAB America Inc. uses beam oscillation to improve both joining and cutting applications.

Designed for multiple-kilowatt lasers of high beam quality, the scan head features a digital servocontrol and an integrated sensor system for real-time monitoring.

The company reports that the device is a solution to the challenge of substance-to-substance joining of unlike materials, such as aluminum and copper. Mechanical fasteners can negatively impact the electrical conductivity, heat transfer and mechanical strength of the joined materials. Meanwhile, effectively laser-welding together materials with different properties has been elusive, said Dale Sabo, vice president of sales and marketing at SCANLAB America.

The welDYNA laser scan head uses beam oscillation to improve welding and cutting. Image courtesy of SCANLAB America.

With traditional laser welding, the beam moves in a straight line along the seam where the two pieces to be welded meet. According to Sabo, as the beam moves, heat builds up in front of it in waves that cause irregular spikes in temperature. These spikes are difficult to control or compensate for—particularly when trying to join materials that respond differently to these spikes.