We have conducted spectroscopic studies of the welding plasma formed in the process of welding with an ytterbium fiber laser delivering output power of up to 20 kW. The influence of shielding gases (Ar, He) on different parts of the welding plume is investigated. The absorption coefficient of the laser radiation by the welding-plume plasma is estimated. Scattering of 532-nm probe radiation from particles of the condensed metal vapor within the caustic of a high-power fiber laser beam is measured. Based on the obtained results, conclusions are made on the influence of the plasma formation and metal vapor condensation on the radiation of the high-power fiber laser and the stability of the welding process.
Different types of lasers are used nowadays for a number of technological Solutions, Modem high power solid-state lasers with high brightness of Radiation like Fiber or disc lasers find ever more applications in welding technology. Apart from the replacement of the CC>2-iasers traditionaHy used fcr these purposes, they provide new technological possibilities of metal treatment, such as using industrial robots and remote welding with high power laser radiation. The possibility of flexible optical fiber delivery of the radiation to any point gives a great technological advantage and permits welding processes to be realized with complicated weld seam geomelries and different positions using a minimum of additional fixtures. The short wavelength of the high power solid state lasers (1.07 ’m) causes another advantage. The coefflcient of inverse 170
Bremsstrahlung absorption from free electrons in plasma for such radiation is about 100 times lower than for the COi-iaser radiation. Owing to this fact, using the solid state lasers allows it to avoid a negative influence of the welding plume.
However, a short wavelength can lead to another kind of laser Radiation attenuation, which is connected with the formation of a cloud consisting of small metal particles that absorb and scatter laser radiation. This cloud arises due to the condensation of hot metal vapor by flying out from the deep Penetration channel and broadening in relatively cold atmosphere over the metal Surface.
Some theoretical and experimental approaches were made in advance in Order to estimate the influence of the Condensed particles on laser radiation and welding quality.
In this paper a systematic study including the determination of the Cloud size and its dynamical characteristics is presented. The results were obtained within the scope of the first stage of the metal vapor condensation process Investigation during welding with high power fiber lasers.