Scanning head provides high-power stir welding

Laser Mechanisms offers the FiberScan™ HR, a scanning head for high-power laser sources including fiber, disk, CO2, and diode lasers. Available for collimated beams up to 1.89 in. dia., the head can deliver 20+ kW of laser power to any point within the system's field of view.

The scanning head employs direct water-cooled copper optics for all wavelengths throughout its optical path to provide reliable, ultrahigh-power capability with minimum thermal focus shift, the manufacturer reports.

It is designed for the high power and long processing times required in applications such as continuous welding on roll forming systems, additive manufacturing of sizable structures, and large-area or volume cladding. In addition, high-speed operation up to 500 Hz in a smaller field enables wide gap seam welding and laser-stir welding of materials that are difficult to process.