Fusing capacity of concentrated laser beam

The process of laser welding was mathematically modeled and axial irregularities of power intensity was studied. The model discounts absorption and refraction of the laser beam in the plasma torch and assumes that the radiation falling on the surface is completely absorbed by it and the depth of the gas vapor channel is significantly greater than its diameter. The calculated and experimental data agree, and show that the optimum focal length for the least energy losses in laser welding is (0.5 to 0.7)h, the latter being the optimum depth of focus for melting. Fusing capacity was found to increase with improved laser beam brilliance and to decrease as required depth increased.