Patent ID: 7897891
Filing Date: 2011-03-01
Classification: B23K,B29C,B29K

Abstract:
1. A laser welding system, comprising: a free-spacing beam delivery laser head having a linear array of at least two laser diodes therein, each of the diodes adapted to generate a laser beam of a predetermined wavelength and spectral width, the laser beams adapted to weld a workpiece having a first component and at least one other component to be welded to the first component, the first component substantially transmissive to the predetermined wavelength, the at least one other component substantially absorptive of the predetermined wavelength; a lens spaced a predetermined distance from the linear array, the lens adapted to direct the laser beams to at least one other lens spaced a predetermined distance from the lens, the at least one other lens adapted to shape the laser beams to a predetermined width and length, the at least one other lens further adapted to focus the laser beams to substantially the same location, thereby forming a continuous line of laser energy being in a plane containing the workpiece, the line being substantially orthogonal to a direction of translation of the workpiece; and a water cooled pressure plate operatively disposed between the at least one other lens and the first component of the workpiece, wherein the water cooled pressure plate comprises: