Open AccessCooling Solutions for Laser Applications
Author(s) -
Zobler Markus,
Mantwill Eike
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
laser technik journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1863-9119
pISSN - 1613-7728
DOI - 10.1002/latj.201800020
Subject(s) - laser , chiller , laser cooling , welding , laser beam welding , mechanical engineering , materials science , computer science , automotive engineering , process engineering , optics , engineering , physics , thermodynamics
In cutting, welding, and additive manufacturing, lasers are a universal tool. To make sure that a laser operates reliably, its components must be cooled as the generation of the laser light creates heat. If this heat is not discharged, both the laser and the workpiece will heat up. Heat can diminish the accuracy of the laser beam and even deform parts of the laser. To prevent temperature fluctuations and damages, laser manufacturers apply cooling units, called chillers. Based on the operating principle of such chillers, this article explains why it is well worth for laser manufacturers to consider suitable cooling of individual elements already in the development phase.