Technical Review of Laser Materials Processing in Japan

Abstract

The history of the developments of the laser processing technologies in Japan was analyzed. During past 50 years of the processing technologies were divided of first half of 25 years and the latter half, and they were compared. During the first half, the laser was evaluated as an alternative to conventional heat-processing technology. In the recent 25 years, the diversification of laser application was spread by development of laser equipment and materials processing technologies. And surface functionalization with short pulsed laser and 3D Additive Manufacturing were developed widely.