This book focuses on the mechanisms of how laser light is produced, guided, and focused for materials processing, and these are explained in an easy-to-understand language for practical use. It emphasizes a basic understanding of the principles necessary to run lasers in a safe and efficient way and provides information for quick access to laser materials processing for laser users. The book exhibits the following features:

• Provides simple explanations and descriptions of complex laser material interaction mechanisms to help readers understand relevant effects during laser beam irradiation of materials.

• Explains the main high-power laser materials processing methods, giving hints to get started with the processing and how to avoid imperfections.

• Focuses on high-power laser applications that are explained in an accessible, descriptive way with practical explanations and minimal formulas.

• Teaches how to measure laser beam characteristics and how to install and handle laser equipment correctly.

• Gives practical advice on typical equipment arrangements and parameter ranges.

This practical handbook serves as a guide for students studying production technologies to learn about laser processes, and for engineers who want to start working with laser processes safely and quickly.

Joerg Volpp is Associate Professor at University West in Trollhättan, Sweden and Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics at Luleå University of Technology, Sweden. He received a doctoral degree from the University of Bremen, Germany, focusing on laser beam welding of aluminum alloys and spatter and pore formation mechanisms. In addition to conducting scientific and industrial research on high-powered lasers, he also teaches laser-related courses.