US Patent 12017304 Laser switching apparatus and method

A laser head apparatus that enables switching between a laser beam and a purging stream. The laser head apparatus includes a bracket that provides for translation and rotation of the laser optics and purging nozzle. The laser optics and purging nozzle are located on opposite sides of the bracket and may be rotated to different rotational positions around a center axis of the bracket and translated to different linear positions along a length of the bracket. Methods of removing material using the laser head apparatus to between a laser beam and a purging stream are also provided.