Systems and methods for laser-welding a workpiece with a laser beam that reaches inaccessible areas of the workpiece using multiple reflecting parts

A laser welding method for welding around at least a substantial portion of a circumference of a workpiece, the method comprising the steps of:

• positioning and fixing a workpiece relative to an assembly;
• and
• directing a laser beam toward the assembly in a first direction, the assembly including a first angled reflector and an optical reflector assembly, the first angled reflector being arranged at an angle to change the first direction of the laser beam so that the laser beam irradiates a front area of the workpiece, the optical reflector assembly having at least two angled mirrors positioned to direct the laser beam passing around the workpiece to reach areas of the workpiece that are not directly in the path of the laser beam, thereby welding around at least a substantial portion of the circumference of the workpiece,
• wherein the workpiece remains fixed relative to the assembly.

A laser welding system for welding around all or most of a circumference of a workpiece, the system comprising:

• a laser beam source configured to direct a laser beam;
• an assembly including a first angled reflector and an optical reflector assembly, the first angled reflector being arranged at a fixed angle to change a direction of the laser beam so that the laser beam irradiates a front area of the workpiece, the optical reflector assembly having at least two angled mirrors positioned to direct the laser beam passing around the workpiece to reach areas of the workpiece that are not directly in the path of the laser beam;
• and
• a scan head configured to move relative to the workpiece to move the laser beam along the optical reflector assembly to thereby produce 360 degree circumferential weld around the workpiece,
• wherein the workpiece is fixed relative to the assembly.