Novel laser deposition head drives configurable optics for metal processing

29 Oct 2019

In one deposition laser head, Optomec’s LENS LDH 3.X offers versatility to building, repairing and coating metal parts.

Optomec, a developer of production-grade additive manufacturing systems for 3D printing of metals, has launched its LENS Laser Deposition Head (LDH 3.X), which features a variable optics system that can create three discreet focused spot sizes to accommodate changes in laser power. The LDH 3.X supports a wide range of laser powers from 500 W to 3 kW to ensure optimal directed energy deposition (DED) processing across a range of parts and applications.

Tom Cobbs, LENS product manager, commented, “The new head represents an advance for DED processing. Its versatility, robustness, and ease-of-use empower the user to control laser power density at the workpiece for optimal results across a wide range of industrial applications.

“As metal additive manufacturing users continue to seek higher laser powers, faster speeds, and improved deposition rates to maximize production, they don’t want to sacrifice the quality of the build. Controlling power density during processing becomes a critical factor.”

“The new LDH 3.X is a marked advancement in sophistication for DED processing. Its versatility, robustness, and ease-of-use empower the user to control laser power density at the workpiece for optimal results across a wide range of industrial applications.”

Optimal DED processing

The wide range of laser powers supported by the LDH 3.X is enabled by an advanced cooling system that allows for high-power duty cycles, and variable optics the user can control to keep processing optimal over the full range of laser power. With improved channeling for water cooling the head, the LDH 3.X will not overheat while operating at high powers and for long build times.

The LDH 3.X also features a quick connect/disconnect nozzle system allowing for interchanging of nozzle types depending on the application, such as 4-tip, coax or high overhang.

By enabling users to vary the optics, create multiple focused laser spot sizes, use interchangeable nozzles and work with a range of laser powers, the LDH 3.X is effective for a variety of industrial applications including small to large builds, high deposition rates at high powers, repairs, coatings, and cladding operations.

With LDH 3.X, a 0.6 mm focused spot size can be chosen for processing smaller parts or intricate feature building, then switched to 2 or 3 mm focused spot sizes for increased laser powers for larger builds or clad type operations. The Optomec LENS LDH 3.X is available immediately for most Optomec LENS system models at a starting price of $10,000 to upgrade from LDH 2.0. Variable optics and nozzle types are sold separately. Material starter recipes are available to help speed adoption.