ROFIN has released a remote welding system (RWS) which uses carbon dioxide (CO2) slab lasers mounted above the working area.
The laser beam is delivered to the working area by a series of mirrors, and the entire system is enclosed by a perimeter safety guarding, allowing for safe operation.
According to the manufacturer, the system can use one of a range of CO2 slab lasers, depending on the application the RWS will be used for. The Rofin DC 060W has an average output power of 6kW and a beam quality factor of K>0.0. It produces a spot diameter of 600 micrometres for the focal length of 1600mm.
The slab laser allows for depths of focus in tens of millimetres, increasing the effective working envelope of the RWS to 1500 by 2000mm.
The RWS uses a beam-steering mirror on an independent high-speed linear-motor driven axis, extending the overall travel of the focusing lens. Independent axis allows the operator to detect beam steering mirror’s position so as to program around clamping fixtures and part tooling.
The system has typical indexing times of less than 50ms between weld stitches. This is said to be the highest welding speed to date.
By mounting the laser source on a gantry above the work area, the manufacturer claims the system occupies minimal floor space while providing a large processing area. This is said to be suited to applications in the automotive industry.

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