Diode Lasers and Remote Welding

Abstract

For more than thirteen years, diode lasers are used in series body manufacturing. The first diode laser was installed for brazing tailgates in the Audi A3 in 2001. While nowadays diode lasers in car‐body construction are the industry standard for brazing, cutting and welding of aluminum and steel, a new promising technology in bodyshell work emerges: remote laser welding. What are the main advantages of this technology? What are potential applications? How can fiber‐coupled, high power diode lasers create added value in body‐in‐white (BIW) remote‐welding applications?