The Application of Lasers to Industry

The recent increase in energy output, average power, and reliability of some lasers has made them worthy of consideration for manufacturing operations. Pulsed lasers can be used for hole punching and spot welding. Low-power continuous output gas lasers can be used for a wide variety of applications, including optical alignment, interferometric precision measurements, and measurements of fluid flow velocity. Other continuous output lasers, such as the carbon dioxide gas laser, are capable of power outputs in excess of 103 watts at greater than 10 percent efficiency and can be used to cut materials in unique ways. Lasers show particular promise for use in automated operations, and the use of a light beam as a cutting agent eliminates the need for maintenance such as cleaning and sharpening.