Coherent has introduced the HighLight laser, which offers higher power for increased throughput for applications in metal cladding and heat treating. The laser system outputs 10kW (at 975nm), and can be configured to deliver a variety of interchangeable beam shapes (with widths from 1mm to 12mm, and lengths from 6mm to 36mm) to optimally match specific processing requirements.
When combined with the company’s pressurised or gravity feed powder nozzles and systems, the increased power level enables higher deposition rate cladding (>20 lb/h), or the use of larger spot sizes for heat treating. In addition, Coherent offers a pyrometer for monitoring work surface temperature for closed-loop control of laser power during heat treatment and cladding.
Customers have access to Coherent’s applications development lab and engineering staff. This team helps to configure a system that matches each customer’s precise requirements, and can identify optimum processing parameters for cladding, heat treating and welding applications.