IPG AMB Series
IPG AMB (Adjustable Mode Beam) is an advanced series of fiber lasers in which the laser beam consists of a central core beam and a surrounding ring beam that can be controlled independently. The technology makes it possible to dynamically adapt the beam profile to the process, providing significantly greater control over how the laser energy is distributed within the material.
AMB technology is primarily used for advanced laser welding, but can also provide advantages in laser cutting, drilling and other industrial laser processes. LMI AB can help select and integrate the correct AMB configuration based on the material, process and required result.
What Is Adjustable Mode Beam?
In a conventional fiber laser, the laser energy leaves the source with a defined beam profile. With IPG AMB, the available laser energy is divided into two concentric sections:
- a central core beam with high power density
- a larger surrounding ring beam
The power in the core and ring can be controlled independently. The distribution between the two can therefore be adapted to the specific process instead of requiring the process to be adapted to a single fixed beam profile.
This makes it possible to create different energy distributions – from a concentrated core beam to combinations where a larger proportion of the power is distributed through the surrounding ring.
Core Beam and Ring Beam
The two beams perform different functions. The central core beam provides high power density and can, for example, create the deep penetration required for keyhole welding.
The ring beam distributes laser energy over a larger area around the core. In laser welding, this can be used to influence the temperature distribution and stabilise the melt pool and keyhole process.
By combining core and ring power, the process can be optimised for different materials, geometries, welding speeds and quality requirements.
More Stable Laser Welding with Less Spatter
In conventional high-speed keyhole welding, high vapour pressure within the molten material can make the process unstable and cause weld spatter. Material leaving the melt pool can also contribute to porosity and other weld defects.
With AMB, the surrounding ring beam can stabilise the melt pool while the core beam creates the weld itself. This can provide a more stable keyhole process and significantly reduce weld spatter.
The technology is therefore particularly interesting for applications where high welding speed must be combined with high and repeatable weld quality.
Advantages When Welding Aluminium and Copper
AMB technology is well suited for demanding welding applications and materials where conventional laser welding can place significant demands on process control.
These include aluminium, copper and combinations of different materials. By controlling the energy distribution between the core and ring beams, the process can be adapted to improve stability and reduce the risk of problems such as spatter, porosity and cracking.
This is an important reason why AMB is used in applications including battery manufacturing, e-mobility and other advanced automated welding processes.
AMB for Battery and E-Mobility Production
Battery manufacturing places high demands on welding speed, repeatability and process quality. Large numbers of welds often need to be performed in a short time and on materials such as aluminium and copper.
AMB technology makes it possible to combine an intense core beam with a controlled ring beam, allowing the process to be adapted for applications such as battery housings, electrical connections and other components used in electrified powertrain systems.
AMB for Laser Cutting
The adjustable beam profile can also be used in laser cutting. By changing the relationship between core and ring power, the beam profile can be adapted to the material and material thickness.
This can, for example, be used to influence piercing, cutting quality and process stability across different material thicknesses. The same laser source can therefore provide different beam characteristics depending on the process being performed.
Single-Mode, Multi-Mode and QCW AMB
IPG offers AMB technology in several product families designed for different types of material processing.
| Series | Core Beam | Ring Beam | Typical Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| YLS-SM-AMB | Single-mode up to 3 kW | Multi-mode up to 5 kW | High beam quality and precision welding |
| YLS-AMB | Multi-mode up to 30 kW | Multi-mode up to 20 kW | High-power welding, structural welding and cutting |
| YLS-QCW-AMB | Up to 1.2 kW with peak power up to 12 kW | Up to 800 W with peak power up to 8 kW | High peak power and controlled heat input |
Technical data refers to IPG’s current product families. Exact configurations and available versions may vary depending on the application and product generation.
Technical Characteristics
| Specification | IPG AMB |
|---|---|
| Technology | Dual-beam / Adjustable Mode Beam |
| Beam profile | Central core beam + surrounding ring beam |
| Control | Independent control of core and ring power |
| Wavelength | 1070 nm |
| YLS-SM-AMB core | Single-mode up to 3 kW |
| YLS-SM-AMB ring | Multi-mode up to 5 kW |
| YLS-AMB core | Multi-mode up to 30 kW |
| YLS-AMB ring | Multi-mode up to 20 kW |
| Cooling | Water-cooled for YLS-SM-AMB and YLS-AMB; air-cooled QCW options are available |
More Than Just High Laser Power
AMB technology clearly demonstrates why output power alone does not determine how a laser performs in an industrial process.
Two laser sources with the same total output power can produce different process results depending on how the energy is distributed across the beam profile. With AMB, this distribution can be actively adjusted by changing the power in the core and ring beams.
This provides an additional process parameter that can be optimised together with welding speed, focal position, working distance and other process parameters.
One Laser Source for Multiple Process Windows
The adjustable beam profile makes it possible to use the same laser source for processes with different energy-distribution requirements.
This can be particularly valuable in automated production systems where different components, materials or geometries are processed within the same production cell.
Instead of mechanically changing the optics for each process, the beam characteristics can in many cases be adapted through control of the laser source.
Integration of IPG AMB
To fully utilise the capabilities of AMB technology, the complete laser system must be designed for the specific process. The laser source works together with the process fiber, laser head, optics, motion system, control system and any process monitoring equipment.
At high power levels, significant demands are also placed on the optics, protective windows, cooling and cleanliness throughout the optical chain.
LMI AB works with complete industrial laser systems and can assist with the laser source, laser head, optics, integration and other components surrounding the process.
Service and Support for IPG AMB
AMB lasers combine high laser power with more advanced beam control than conventional fiber lasers. During service and troubleshooting, it is therefore important to consider both the laser source and the complete optical and mechanical process chain.
LMI AB works with IPG lasers and industrial laser systems and can assist with service, troubleshooting, process fibers, laser heads, optics, protective windows and other components that affect system performance and reliability.
Is IPG AMB the Right Laser Source for Your Process?
AMB is particularly interesting when the process places high demands on beam profile, process stability, welding speed and quality – or when different processes require different energy distributions.
The choice between YLS-SM-AMB, YLS-AMB and other AMB configurations depends on factors including material, geometry, required penetration, welding speed, power requirements and integration requirements.
Contact LMI AB and we will help you determine whether IPG AMB is the right technology and specify a suitable laser source for your application.
