LASER PROCESSING OF MATERIALS FOR AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS

The use of laser processing within the automotive industry on a world-wide basis is reviewed. Lasers have been in use on the production line for about 20 years and have become accepted as reliable, economical working tools in operations ranging from cutting and drilling to welding and transformation hardening. Some basic principles underlying their use are described and examples in each major processing category outlined. Although healthy, laser processing for automobile applications is likely to grow even more vigorously as capital costs are reduced and as awareness of the laser's potential is increased.