Product Code: JLA_15_4_233

Authors:
M. G. Tsagkarakis
F. J. Villarreal
H. J. Baker
D. R. Hall
School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, United Kingdom

S. W. Williams
BAE Systems, Advanced Technology Centre, Filton, Bristol BS34 7QW, United Kingdom

A newly available pulse format for planar waveguide carbon dioxide lasers has been investigated for surface melting treatment of Al-2024 using 35–40 μs duration pulses. A single-pass raster scan produces crack free surfaces, but with considerable surface modulation and stress. A double-pass treatment has been shown to relieve the stress and smooth the surface, restoring the corrosion resistance of the surface to that of the parent alloy. © 2003 Laser Institute of America.