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/lp/emerald-publishing/fifty-years-of-the-laser-its-role-in-material-processing-KE0eEd3are
- Publisher
- Emerald Publishing
- Copyright
- Copyright © 2010 Emerald Group Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.
- ISSN
- 0144-5154
- DOI
- 10.1108/01445151011075771
- Publisher site
- See Article on Publisher Site
Abstract
Purpose – The paper aims to provide a review of the use of lasers in industry, with an emphasis on applications in manufacturing and material processing. Design/methodology/approach – Following an introduction to lasers and their development, this paper considers a selection of key material processing applications. Findings – This shows that, since their invention in 1960, lasers have emerged to play a vital role in numerous industrial processes. Gas (CO 2 ), solid‐state, excimer, semiconductor and fibre lasers are used in welding, soldering, drilling, cutting, micromachining, marking, engraving, heat treatment, material deposition and adhesive curing. Originality/value – The paper provides a detailed review of the uses of lasers in industrial material processing and also places these applications in an historical context.
Journal
Assembly Automation – Emerald Publishing
Published: Sep 28, 2010
Keywords: Welding; Soldering; Heat treatment; Production materials; Lasers; Machine tools