Welding of thick metal sheets of up to 25 mm with 29 kW laser power

Investigations concerning CO2 laser materials processing in the power range up to 20 kW were presented. Using a special diagnostic device, the beam profile can be shown. Before starting the welding experiments, the infuence of the assist gas concerning the energy input into the material was investigated. The results were used to get a maximum penetration depth of about 30 mm. Finally, measurements of the hardness and porosity gave informations of the seam quality.