Rastered laser melting of a curved surface path with uniform power density distribution

Abstract

A method of progressing a melt front (55) around a curved progression path (20) via a pattern (LP) of transverse laser scan lines (S1-S8) of differing lengths. Multiple area bands (B1-B8) conceptually divide a width of the curved path. The multiple transverse scan lines distribute the laser power among the bands with a predetermined uniformity that provides relatively consistent power density across the melt front. The scan lines may extend from a less curved side (24) of the curved path, through a band (B4 or B8) of largest area, toward a more curved side (22) of the path. At least one of the scan lines (S1, S8) may cross all bands. Other scan lines are shorter and extend by varying distances into the inner bands (B1-B3 or B1-B7), normalizing the power density across the bands.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.