The complete guide to understanding and using lasers in material processing!Lasers are now an integral part of modern society, providing extraordinary opportunities for innovation in an ever-widening range of material processing and manufacturing applications. The study of laser material processing is a core element of many materials and manufacturing courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level. As a consequence, there is now a vast amount of research on the theory and application of lasers to be absorbed by students, industrial researchers, practising engineers and production managers. Written by an acknowledged expert in the field with over twenty years' experience in laser processing, John Ion distils cutting-edge information and research into a single key text. Essential for anyone studying or working with lasers, Laser Processing of Engineering Materials provides a clear explanation of the underlying principles, including physics, chemistry and materials science, along with a framework of available laser processes and their distinguishing features and variables. This book delivers the knowledge needed to understand and apply lasers to the processing of engineering materials, and is highly recommended as a valuable guide to this revolutionary manufacturing technology. The first single volume text that treats this core engineering subject in a systematic manner Covers the principles, practice and application of lasers in all contemporary industrial processes; packed with examples, materials data and analysis, and modelling techniques

Laser materials processing has made tremendous progress and is now at the forefront of industrial and medical applications. The book describes recent advances in smart and nanoscaled materials going well beyond the traditional cutting and welding applications. As no analytical methods are described the examples are really going into the details of what nowadways is possible by employing lasers for sophisticated materials processing giving rise to achievements not possible by conventional materials processing.

New chapters on bending and cleaning reflect the changes in the field since the last edition, completing the range of practical knowledge about the processes possible with lasers already familiar to users of this well-known text. Professor Steen's lively presentation is supported by a number of original cartoons by Patrick Wright and Noel Ford, which will bring a smile to your face and ease the learning process. From the reviews: "...well organized, and the text is very practical...The engineering community will find this book informative and useful." (OPTICS AND PHOTONICS NEWS, July/August 2005)

Coverage of the most recent advancements and applications in laser materials processing This book provides state-of-the-art coverage of the field of laser materials processing, from fundamentals to applications to the latest research topics. The content is divided into three succinct parts: Principles of laser engineering-an introduction to the basic concepts and characteristics of lasers, design of their components, and beam delivery Engineering background&-a review of engineering concepts needed to analyze different processes: thermal analysis and fluid flow; solidification of molten metal; and residual stresses that evolve during processes Laser materials processing-a rigorous and detailed treatment of laser materials processing and its principle applications, including laser cutting and drilling, welding, surface modification, laser forming, and rapid prototyping Each chapter includes an outline, summary, and example sets to help readers reinforce their understanding of the material. This book is designed to prepare graduate students who will be entering industry; researchers interested in initiating a research program; and practicing engineers who need to stay abreast of the latest developments in this rapidly evolving field.

This book describes the basic mechanisms, theory, simulations and technological aspects of Laser processing techniques. It covers the principles of laser quenching, welding, cutting, alloying, selective sintering, ablation, etc. The main attention is paid to the quantitative description. The diversity and complexity of technological and physical processes is discussed using a unitary approach. The book aims on understanding the cause-and-effect relations in physical processes in Laser technologies. It will help researchers and engineers to improve the existing and develop new Laser machining techniques. The book addresses readers with a certain background in general physics and mathematical analysis: graduate students, researchers and engineers practicing laser applications.

This volume discusses the basic principles necessary to understand lasers, explains laser interactions with materials, and surveys the wide variety of industrial applications of the major laser types, covering in detail the operating mechanisms of carbon dioxide, Nd:YAG, and excimer lasers. It presents lasers as manufacturing tools rather than laboratory devices.