The Evolution of Laser and Laser Technology in Industrial Applications

Lasers moved rapidly from the Nobel Prize-winning principle of stimulated emission in 1956 to the demonstration of optically pumped microwave amplification in 1958 and the first laser devices, in the visible part of the spectrum, in 1960. The fiber laser was first proposed in 1961, and the continuous wave (CW) carbon dioxide laser followed in 1964. In the same decade, significant advances in the power and efficiency of the yttrium-aluminium garnet (YAG) laser set the stage for their adoption in production environments during the 1970s. Recent advancements in high-power CW fiber lasers have renewed interest in their applications. A numerical simulation system for laser cutting of hydro-formed zinc-coated dual-phase steels has been developed using adapted 3D finite element welding and machining codes. The model incorporates a defined laser-material coupled zone (DLCZ) and moving heat flux to simulate thermal and mechanical effects. Experimental results align well with simulations at a coupled frequency of 1 × 10 8 W, though residual zinc coating near cut edges remains an issue. Improved cut speeds and spatter reduction are observed at 8×10 8 W. Additionally, Nd:YAG lasers have seen progress in 2010, with studies on optical arrangements for better weld geometry in stainless steel. Advances in workpiece-nodal-mesh schemes have enhanced knowledge in laser welding. However, few studies quantify the impact of test-piece arrangement on heat distribution or explore the relationship between laser beam profiles and weld outcomes, despite their significant influence.