Laser machining apparatus

Abstract

Control is exercised such that an arc discharge from a GMA electrode is performed after or simultaneously with start of oscillation of laser light from a laser oscillator, and oscillation of the laser light from the laser oscillator is stopped after or simultaneously with termination of the arc discharge from the GMA electrode. A coaxial laser beam machining head is configured such that the GMA electrode is disposed in a space portion between a first divisional laser beam and a second divisional laser beam, which have been formed by division by first and second reflecting mirrors, coaxially with the laser beams. Alternatively, the coaxial laser beam machining head is configured such that the GMA electrode is disposed in a space portion, which has been formed in a body of laser light by withdrawing part of the laser light outwardly with the use of first and second reflecting mirrors, coaxially with the body of the laser light.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.