LASERS AND THEIR METALLURGICAL APPLICATIONS

The fundamental principles of laser action, various active laser materials and methods by which the laser may be used for metallurgical applications are reviewed in this paper. Specific examples of metal removal and welding are presented and some of the present problem areas discussed. In the fields of metal removal and welding, the laser will be most useful for small and delicate applications generally described with the prefix "micro." References included. (Formerly SP63-212)