Potential role of high-power laser diode in manufacturing

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
We present examples of manufacturing applications like solid freeform fabrication by sintering metal/ceramic powders, and drilling using semiconductor laser diodes. From the stand point of energy requirements, these demonstration indicates that many other laser manufacturing functions like cutting, soldering, marking, printing, etc. can be carried out by currently available commercial laser diodes. Most of these applications are currently being done by the inefficient and bulky lasers like CO2, Nd:YAG and Excimer. These are 30 years matured technologies and still costs over $DOL150/Watt. We believe the price of semiconductor laser diode chips, like computer chips, will come down rapidly, as volume market opens up, from $DOL300/Watts today to less than $DOL10/Watt in 5 years. The paper begins with some market survey indicating economic opportunities for high power diode companies.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: