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.

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.

Principles of Laser Materials Processing Authoritative resource providing state-of-the-art coverage in the field of laser materials processing, supported with supplementary learning materials Principles of Laser Materials Processing goes over the most recent advancements and applications in laser materials processing, with the second edition providing a welcome update to the successful first edition through updated content on the important fields within laser materials processing. The text includes solved example problems and problem sets suitable for the readers’ further understanding of the technology explained. Split into three parts, the text first introduces basic concepts of lasers, including the characteristics of lasers and the design of their components, to aid readers in their initial understanding of the technology. The text then reviews the engineering concepts that are needed to analyze the different processes. Finally, it delves into the background of laser materials and provides a state-of-the-art compilation of material in the major application areas, such as laser cutting and drilling, welding, surface modification, and forming, among many others. It also presents information on laser safety to prepare the reader for working in the industry sector and provide practicing engineers the updates needed to work safely and effectively. In Principles of Laser Materials Processing, readers can expect to find specific information on: Laser generation principles, including basic atomic structure, atomic transitions, population distribution, absorption, and spontaneous emission Optical resonators, including standing waves in a rectangular cavity, planar resonators, beam modes, line selection, confocal resonators, and concentric resonators Laser pumping, including optical pumping, arc/flash lamp pumping, energy distribution in the active medium, and electrical pumping Broadening mechanisms, including line-shape functions, homogeneous broadening such as natural and collision, and inhomogeneous broadening Principles of Laser Materials Processing is highly suitable for senior undergraduate and graduate students studying laser processing, and non-traditional manufacturing processes; it is also aimed at researchers to provide additional information to be used in research projects that are to be undertaken within the technology field.

Principles of Laser Materials Processing Authoritative resource providing state-of-the-art coverage in the field of laser materials processing, supported with supplementary learning materials Principles of Laser Materials Processing goes over the most recent advancements and applications in laser materials processing, with the second edition providing a welcome update to the successful first edition through updated content on the important fields within laser materials processing. The text includes solved example problems and problem sets suitable for the readers’ further understanding of the technology explained. Split into three parts, the text first introduces basic concepts of lasers, including the characteristics of lasers and the design of their components, to aid readers in their initial understanding of the technology. The text then reviews the engineering concepts that are needed to analyze the different processes. Finally, it delves into the background of laser materials and provides a state-of-the-art compilation of material in the major application areas, such as laser cutting and drilling, welding, surface modification, and forming, among many others. It also presents information on laser safety to prepare the reader for working in the industry sector and provide practicing engineers the updates needed to work safely and effectively. In Principles of Laser Materials Processing, readers can expect to find specific information on: Laser generation principles, including basic atomic structure, atomic transitions, population distribution, absorption, and spontaneous emission Optical resonators, including standing waves in a rectangular cavity, planar resonators, beam modes, line selection, confocal resonators, and concentric resonators Laser pumping, including optical pumping, arc/flash lamp pumping, energy distribution in the active medium, and electrical pumping Broadening mechanisms, including line-shape functions, homogeneous broadening such as natural and collision, and inhomogeneous broadening Principles of Laser Materials Processing is highly suitable for senior undergraduate and graduate students studying laser processing, and non-traditional manufacturing processes; it is also aimed at researchers to provide additional information to be used in research projects that are to be undertaken within the technology 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.

The revised edition of this important reference volume presents an expanded overview of the analytical and numerical approaches employed when exploring and developing modern laser materials processing techniques. The book shows how general principles can be used to obtain insight into laser processes, whether derived from fundamental physical theory or from direct observation of experimental results. The book gives readers an understanding of the strengths and limitations of simple numerical and analytical models that can then be used as the starting-point for more elaborate models of specific practical, theoretical or commercial value. Following an introduction to the mathematical formulation of some relevant classes of physical ideas, the core of the book consists of chapters addressing key applications in detail: cutting, keyhole welding, drilling, arc and hybrid laser-arc welding, hardening, cladding and forming. The second edition includes a new a chapter on glass cutting with lasers, as employed in the display industry. A further addition is a chapter on meta-modelling, whose purpose is to construct fast, simple and reliable models based on appropriate sources of information. It then makes it easy to explore data visually and is a convenient interactive tool for scientists to improve the quality of their models and for developers when designing their processes. As in the first edition, the book ends with an updated introduction to comprehensive numerical simulation. Although the book focuses on laser interactions with materials, many of the principles and methods explored can be applied to thermal modelling in a variety of different fields and at different power levels. It is aimed principally however at academic and industrial researchers and developers in the field of laser technology.

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.