The First Switchable Adjustable Ring Mode Fiber Laser

The new HighLight^TM FL-ARM with Fiber-Fiber-Switch from Coherent Inc. (Santa Clara, CA) is a high-power (2 kW to 8 kW) dual fiber output laser that can sequentially power two separate workstations or processes. Dual fiber output delivers increased throughput in cost sensitive, high-volume welding applications, particularly in automotive manufacturing, such as welding of doors, hang-on parts, ultra-high strength steel components, and aluminum body frames. Alternately, the second fiber can act as a redundant backup for the first, thus minimizing service downtime when required.

The HighLight FL-ARM implements power sharing through the use of proprietary Fiber-Fiber-Switch technology. The process fibers themselves utilize a unique Adjustable Ring Mode configuration, comprising a dual core delivery fiber which produces a central spot surrounded by another concentric ring of laser light. The power levels in the center and the ring can be independently adjusted on demand (from one percent to 100 percent) and switched at a rate 1,000X faster than competing products; it can also be independently modulated. This arrangement provides improved control of keyhole and melt pool stability during the welding process, leading to superior results. Added to this, the laser employs a multi-stage back reflection immunity system that enhances laser reliability and lifetime, and enables safe processing of highly reflective materials, including brass, copper, and aluminum.

The HighLight FL-ARM with Fiber-Fiber-Switch is the first new product to be introduced by the recently created Coherent Center of Excellence for fiber lasers in Tampere, Finland.

Coherent Inc., 5100 Patrick Henry Drive, Santa Clara, CA 95054, 408-764-4983, Fax: 408-988-6838, www.coherent.com.