| Historically, sheet metal has been used | | | | |
| extensively to produce automotive body | | | | Gas laser-any laser that uses a gas mixture |
| panels. Although sheet metal use has | | | | as the lasing medium; common gases are argon |
| decreased with the advent of fiberglass body | | | | and carbon dioxide |
| panels, sheet metal is still the most popular | | | | |
| material for manufacturing automobiles today. | | | | Pulsed laser-emits light in controlled pulses |
| The addition of lasers and robotics to the | | | | and is preferred for thin materials ; it can |
| automobile manufacturing process has further | | | | be used to create intricate details and work |
| expanded the way that sheet metal is | | | | in tight corners without burning |
| processed. | | | | |
| | | | Ruby laser-a solid state laser that uses a |
| Lasers | | | | synthetic ruby crystal with a chromium |
| | | | impurity as the lasing medium |
| Lasers have been used in production | | | | |
| facilities since the 1960's. Today, they are | | | | Solid-state laser-a type of laser that uses a |
| used to cut, form holes, engrave, weld or | | | | crystal or glass as the host for an impurity |
| heat treat sheet metal for use in automotive | | | | to produce the lasing action; especially |
| production. | | | | useful for precise measuring and spot welding |
| | | | |
| Lasers are used in applications that rely on | | | | Yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) laser-ranges in |
| precise measurements and exact alignments. | | | | power from a few milliwatts to more than 400 |
| | | | watts; used for cutting, drilling, heat |
| The adjustment of lasers is measured in | | | | treating and welding operations |
| micrometers, or millionths of a meter. | | | | |
| | | | Robotics |
| There are many different types of lasers used | | | | |
| to alter sheet metal and plastics in the | | | | Robotics are often used for repetitive tasks, |
| automotive industry. | | | | monotonous jobs or those parts of the |
| | | | manufacturing process that are physically |
| Carbon dioxide laser- uses a mixture of | | | | difficult or take place in environmentally |
| carbon dioxide, nitrogen and helium to | | | | unpleasant conditions. They are directed by |
| produce a continuous laser output | | | | computer programs and perform precise |
| | | | operations without human intervention. |
| Continuous-wave laser- this type of laser | | | | |
| produces light beams continuously rather than | | | | Lasers and robotics have significantly |
| in controlled pulses | | | | increased the speed at which sheet metal can |
| | | | be processed in the automotive manufacturing |
| Excimer laser-emits light in a UV spectrum | | | | process. Continued technological advancements |
| that is used for producing high quality edges | | | | in these two areas will further increase the |
| on parts that are prone to cracking or | | | | cost effectiveness and productivity of |
| thermal damage; it falls into the category of | | | | automotive manufacturing facilities. |
| pulsed-gas lasers | | | | |