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Deformable mirror technology takes laser welding and 3D printing to new heights
Yongcui Mi has developed a new technology that enables real-time shaping and control of laser beams for laser welding and directed energy deposition using laser and wire. The innovation is based on the same mirror technology used in advanced telescopes for astronomy.
In a few years, this new technology could lead to more efficient and reliable ways of using high-power lasers for welding and directed energy deposition with laser and wire. The manufacturing industry could benefit from new opportunities to build more robust processes that meet stringent quality standards.
The industry currently faces significant challenges in high power laser welding without filler wire. Defects often occur in the welds due to variations in joint gap widths.