Development of Recuperator Manufacturing Techniques. Phase 2
Abstract
This report describes the development of an automated, computer- controlled, pulsed carbon dioxide laser welding facility for joining of a thin plate gas turbine engine recuperator. Several commercial carbon dioxide laser systems were evaluated for the application, two of them extensively. A detailed analysis and comparison of these systems is given, as is an explanation of the operation of industrial CO2 lasers and the problems involved in their design and application. The computer control of laser welding systems is discussed with particular emphasis on the use of high speed moving mirror systems to deflect the laser beam around irregular shaped joints. Control was obtained at welding speeds up to 100 millimeters per second, while joining the 0.2 millimeter thick nickel based alloy used. Two computer/moving mirror systems were evaluated and programs for each developed. One was in ESSI, a European machine tool language and the other in U.S. computer numerical control language. The program developments work and the problems integration of computer and laser systems are discussed. A detailed cost analysis is given, comparing laser and automated resistant seam welding for this application. An appendix discussing the management advanced manufacturing technology programs is included.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA132448
Entities
People
- Jule A. Miller