Methods and apparatus for cutting and welding
AssigneeNational Research Development Corporation
InventorWilliam M. Steen
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods and apparatuses for cutting, welding, drilling or surface treating a workpiece are described. A laser beam is directed towards a workpiece and an arc is struck between an electrode and the heat affected zone created by the laser beam in the workpiece.
Claims33
A method for treating workpiece means comprising one or more workpieces, including projecting a beam of light from a laser on to the workpiece means, striking an arc between, an electrode and the workpiece means, and maintaining the arc between the electrode and a heat affected zone created by the laser beam in the workpiece means, the laser beam an the arc existing concurrently for a substantial time in which workpiece treatment is carried out.
A method for treating workpiece means comprising one or more workpieces, including projecting a beam of light from a laser on the workpiece means, and striking an arc between an electrode and a heat affected zone created by the laser beam in the workpiece means wherein the heat affected zone extends through the workpiece means to an opposite surface thereof from the surface on which the laser beam is incident, and the arc is struck to the said zone on the said opposite surface.
Apparatus for treating workpiece means, including means for projecting a laser beam on to workpiece means comprising one or more workpieces, and means for providing an arc between an electrode and the heat affected zone created, in operation, by the laser beam in the workpiece means and for maintaining the arc for at least a substantial time while the laser beam is projected on to the workpiece means.
Apparatus for treating workpiece means, including means for projecting a laser beam onto workpiece means comprising one or more workpieces, and means for striking an arc between an electrode and a heat affected zone created, in operation, by the laser beam in the workpiece means in which the heat affected zone extends through the workpiece means to an opposite surface thereof from the surface at which the laser beam is directed, wherein the electrode is positioned to strike an arc to the said zone in the said opposite surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.