Various welding applications and processes include MIG, TIG, Stick, and Flux-Cored. Numerous guides, papers, and publications also cover these welding techniques. But we will make things easier for you. In this post, we’ll go over the many types of laser welding, how they operate, their benefits, and their applications.
Metals or thermoplastics are fused by a focused laser beam during the fusion welding process known as laser welding. It is the most sophisticated welding and has applications in various fields, including the manufacturing of exquisite jewelry and aeronautical and medical equipment.
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How it works
During the laser welding process, a very concentrated beam of light is sent onto the gap between the materials to be connected. The intense laser beam melts the materials at their seams, fusing them into a joint. Such a tightly focused heat source allows for fast laser welding of thin materials. Laser welding can generate deep, precise welds in thicker materials.
Here are some additional details about the process:
- The laser beam is typically generated by a solid-state laser, such as a neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd: YAG) laser.
- The laser beam is focused by a series of lenses and mirrors to a small spot on the workpiece.
- The power of the laser beam is controlled by a power supply.
- The laser beam is scanned across the joint to create the weld.
- The speed of the laser beam scan is controlled by a computer.
Types of laser welding
Welding by heat conduction
The laser beam heats the material surface above the substance’s melting point during heat conduction welding. The method is used to create welds that don’t need a lot of strength. A low-power laser under 500W is required for this kind of welding. Welds made using heat conduction are uniform and aesthetically pleasing.
Advantages of heat conduction welding:
- It is a fast and efficient process.
- It produces smooth, rounded welds that do not require any additional grinding or finishing.
- It can be used to join a wide variety of materials.
Disadvantages of heat conduction welding:
- The weld depth is shallow, so it is not suitable for joining thick materials.
- The weld strength is not as high as some other welding processes.
Keyhole welding
In keyhole welding, the laser beam penetrates deeply into the material and heats the surface to the point of vaporization. This produces a keyhole with a plasma-like state. It becomes hotter than 10,000K. High-power lasers greater than 105W/mm2 are used for this welding technique.
Advantages of keyhole welding:
- It can be used to join thick materials.
- The weld strength is very high.
- It is a fast process.
Disadvantages of keyhole welding:
- It requires a high-power laser.
- The weld can be narrow and difficult to inspect.
- The process can be unstable, leading to poor weld quality.
Applications of laser welding
Laser welding has numerous uses because of its high precision, quick processing time, large material tolerance, and reliable quality. The following are a few applications of laser welding services:
- Automotive industry: The automotive industry finds laser welding to be ideally suited because it enables a tool-free method of operation and doesn’t require head replacement.
- Steel buildings: the steel construction sector uses laser technology because of its great productivity and manufacturing. Treating thick metal sheets quickly and accurately with laser welding is possible.
- Shipbuilding: Laser welding produces control and drives screws and rudders with high precision and necessary tolerance.
- Construction of tools: The laser welding system helps produce tools because of its high precision. Making precise pressing, punching, and casting tools is now possible because of technology.
Hybrid laser arc welding is possible thanks to the versatility of laser welding. Both laser welding and arc welding benefits are present in the final weld. Additionally, the weld provides better tolerance for joint fit-up and deep penetrating joints. Furthermore, it reduces undesirable outcomes like interior porosity and cracking.
Advantages of hybrid laser arc welding:
Deep penetration and high speed
Improved gap tolerance
Reduced porosity
High strength
Versatile process
Disadvantages of hybrid laser arc welding:
Requires a high-power laser and an arc welding power source
It can be complex to set up and operate
Can be expensive
Conclusion
When joining materials, laser welding technology uses a laser beam as a highly focused heat source. The laser beam creates a joint by heating and melting the materials’ edges. Micro Weld, Inc welders use laser welding for high-precision welds because of its high precision, high welding speed, quicker processing time, wide material tolerance, and consistent quality.
