Laser Heads
The laser head is the component that delivers the laser beam to the actual processing area. Depending on the application, the head can focus and shape the laser beam, control process gas, follow the surface of the workpiece, monitor the process or be integrated with robots and other automation systems.
LMI AB supplies laser heads for several industrial laser processes, including laser cutting and laser welding. The range includes both standard processing heads and solutions adapted to different laser powers, materials, working distances and automation concepts.
We work with laser heads from Precitec, among others, and can assist with product selection, integration, service and spare parts.
Laser heads for different processes
The requirements placed on a laser head vary considerably depending on the process. A cutting head for high-power fiber laser cutting, for example, has very different requirements from a compact welding head or a processing head for robot-based 3D applications.
Laser heads can be used for applications including:
- 2D laser cutting
- 3D laser cutting
- laser welding
- robot-based laser processing
- remote welding and scanner-based welding
- laser cladding and other specialised processes
The choice of laser head must therefore always be based on the laser source, process and machine configuration.
Laser heads for laser cutting
In laser cutting, the laser head focuses the laser beam at the correct position while cutting gas is directed through the nozzle towards the workpiece. Modern cutting heads often include functions for automatic focus adjustment, capacitive height control, process monitoring and protection of the internal optics.
Important parameters when selecting a cutting head include:
- maximum laser power
- laser wavelength
- collimating and focusing optics
- numerical aperture and beam diameter
- focus adjustment
- maximum cutting gas pressure
- height control and sensor systems
- weight and mechanical integration
- cooling and thermal load
Precitec offers cutting heads for both 2D and 3D processing, ranging from compact solutions for low and medium laser powers to processing heads designed for high-power laser cutting.
Laser heads for laser welding
In laser welding, the processing head is used to deliver and focus the laser energy onto the weld joint. Depending on the system, the head can also be combined with shielding gas, process monitoring, filler wire or scanner-based beam control.
The requirements placed on the welding head depend on factors such as laser power, working distance, material, joint geometry and the level of automation.
Precitec offers processing heads for a range of automated laser welding applications, including conventional focusing heads as well as solutions using dynamic beam control.
2D and 3D laser heads
The mechanical design of the laser head is particularly important in 3D processing. Robot-based cutting or welding often requires low weight, compact dimensions and good accessibility in order to process complex components and geometries.
Different processing-head configurations can therefore be selected depending on whether the system is intended for conventional 2D processing, three-dimensional components or robot-based applications.
Optics and protective components inside the laser head
A modern laser head contains several optical and mechanical components that need to operate together as a complete system.
Depending on the design, the laser head may include:
- collimating optics
- focusing optics
- protective glass and protective windows
- nozzles and process tips
- height-control sensors
- temperature and process monitoring
- gas connections
- cooling
Protective windows and other consumable components play an important role in protecting more expensive optical components and maintaining a stable process. LMI AB also supplies spare parts and consumables for a wide range of laser heads.rbjuder även reservdelar och förbrukningsdelar för ett stort antal laserhuvuden.
The right laser head for the laser source
A laser head cannot be selected solely according to the required process or laser power. The head must also be compatible with the wavelength, beam quality, fiber diameter and other optical characteristics of the laser source.
Factors that need to be considered when specifying a laser head include:
- laser type and wavelength
- maximum and continuous laser power
- fiber connection and beam diameter
- required focal position and working distance
- material and process
- automation and motion system
- process gas
- cooling
- process monitoring
It is the combination of these factors that determines which laser head and optical configuration are suitable for the application.
Integration and automation
The laser head is often part of a larger machine or automation system. LMI AB can assist with integrating the processing head with the laser source, control system, robot, linear axes, sensors and safety systems.
In automated processes, cable routing, fiber routing, cooling, process gas, collision protection and service accessibility are also important aspects of the mechanical and electrical integration.n.
Service and spare parts
Laser heads often operate in demanding production environments and contain optics, sensors and other components that require regular inspection and maintenance.
LMI AB provides service and spare parts for several types of laser heads and can assist with:
- identification of the correct spare parts
- protective windows and optical components
- nozzles and ceramic insulators
- troubleshooting
- preventive maintenance
- replacement or upgrading of existing laser heads
Laser Heads from Precitec and Other Manufacturers
LMI AB is a Precitec partner in Scandinavia for both sales and service of Precitec laser heads. Precitec offers processing heads for applications including laser cutting and laser welding, with solutions for different power levels and application requirements.
At the same time, LMI AB is an independent supplier of laser systems and also works with laser heads from other manufacturers. The choice of laser head depends on the machine, laser source, power level, process and specific application. Complete machine systems, such as those from HSG, may therefore incorporate different brands and types of laser heads.
The image above shows examples of different Precitec laser heads and illustrates the range of solutions available for both cutting and welding applications.
If you need service, spare parts or assistance with a laser head from another manufacturer, you are also welcome to contact LMI AB. We can help identify the right solution for your specific laser system.
Can’t find the laser head you are looking for?
Not every laser head and configuration available from LMI AB is presented on the website.
If you are looking for a specific processing head or need to replace an existing laser head, it is useful to provide:
- machine manufacturer and model
- laser head manufacturer and model
- laser source and power
- laser wavelength
- part number or serial number
- fiber connection, where relevant
- the laser process for which the head is used
- photographs of the existing laser head and identification plate
With the correct information, LMI AB can help identify a suitable solution and check compatibility with the existing laser system.
Contact LMI AB about laser heads
Do you need a laser head for a new installation, are you planning to upgrade an existing system, or are you looking for a replacement for an existing processing head?
Contact LMI AB with information about the laser source, process and machine system and we will help you specify the appropriate laser head and optical configuration.
Tim Smith
Contakt person for laser heads