Laser Beam Welding Process Knowledge

Laser Beam Welding is one of the latest and most advanced forms of welding used on the world today. Welding with a laser beam is one of the few welding techniques where the welder has a greater understanding of software and doesn’t physically hold the welder themselves.

For many, laser as a form of welding is akin to micro welding. The truth is that while laser beam welding can weld to small sizes it doesn’t tend to get to the fully micro sizes of micro welding although it is a very precise and intricate type of welding itself.

How does it work?

Simply put laser beam welding uses a laser to weld pieces of metal together. The full understanding of how a laser beam used in welding is as follows:

This process utilizes a robot arm that is programed to carry out the required weld, these weld vary from 0.2 millimeter to 13 millimeter in size and are welded using a laser beam. The reason a laser beam is used is because it carry’s a higher power output giving a very strong heat source in a localized area. This also means that there is less time on the work area with the heat product so the cooling time is quicker as the heat is not conducted through the work so easily.

A laser can weld nearly any type of metal, even Titanium, but there is an issue with carbon based steel as the quick cooling times can sometimes crack the metal so extra care is taken with these materials.

Different types…

There are two types of laser welders. These are solid state lasers and gas lasers and both types of laser beam welders use two types of laser beams.

Two types of laser beams are used, dependent on the work being carried out. One type is a continuous beam which is used when the work is thick and requires deep welding. The other type of laser beam used is a pulse beam which is intermittent, this is used on very thin pieces of metal material so it doesn’t damage the work being welded.

This welding process can weld nearly any type of metal, even Titanium, but there is an issue with carbon based steel as the quick cooling times can sometimes crack the metal so extra care is taken with these materials.

Who uses laser?

The use of laser beam welding is found in many industries from making razor blades to the automotive industry. The reason it is used a lot in many industries is because of the accuracy of the weld and the fact that it is program driven so the work is carried out quickly.

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