Innovations are developing in the welding industry. Introducing laser welding became a game changer for the industry. This technique has many benefits compared to conventional welding. MIG, TIG, and MMA (stick welding).
What is laser welding?
Laser welding uses a focused laser beam to fuse the two metals or thermoplastics. It’s the most advanced type of welding. Suitable across diverse industries, including aerospace and medical equipment.
Laser welding tends to be easier to learn than TIG, MIG, or MMA stick welding. That can produce welds up to 4x faster than these other methods. Not only can these be done quicker, but they are often neater, require less cleanup, and are stronger.
There are two types of laser welding. In heat conduction welding, the laser beam heats the material surface above the melting point. The process produces welds that do not require high weld strength. The type of welding is done with a low-power laser below 500w. In keyhole welding, the laser beam heats the material surface to vaporisation. Penetrating deep into the material. This creates a keyhole with a plasma-like condition. The temperature rises above 10,000 k.
There are several advantages to laser welding, including:
Fast welding speeds
Minimal heat-affected zone
Minimal material distortion
High precision and neat welding seams
Up to 4 times faster than TIG
Low consumable usage
High repeatability
Minimal training required
Uniform welding bead
Ability to weld various materials as well as dissimilar materials
Improves production efficiency
Reduced post-weld cleaning times.
Easy to use
Low application costs
Efficient energy usage
High welding strength
Excellent welding performance.
Safety guidelines
There have been extensive talks on the safety guidelines put in place during your laser welding. Lasers are classified into several classes depending on their hazard level. Their ability to cause damage to the operator and others within the surrounding area. The highest class 4 represents the most dangerous lasers available. EN-60825-1 outlines the classification and safety guidance of laser products.
Handheld fibre laser welding machines are classified as hazardous Class 4 laser products. This technology is safe to use with the required PPE to protect the operator and a purpose-built laser welding enclosure. Users can enjoy the many benefits laser welding offers over traditional welding methods.
The difference between laser welding and traditional arc welding processes is that laser energy is used instead of an electric arc to form the weld pool. As such, additional/process-specific safety measures must be considered when operating this equipment.
It is mandatory that any company using Class 4 laser appliances has a suitably qualified Health and Safety Officer or advisor who is responsible for safety on site.
Fields of application
Laser welding is perfect for a range of different industries. Due to its high precision, faster processing time, wide material tolerance, and consistent quality. Laser welding will be perfect for the following applications:
Automotive Industry
Steel Construction
Shipbuilding
Tool construction
Use on various materials as well as dissimilar materials, including stainless steel, aluminium, carbon steel, galvanised, copper, and brass.
Machines to back it up.
At Truflame, we’re working to provide quality with knowledge and have the products to back it up. We can provide stable performance and reliable quality laser welders.
Including MA1-35, MA1-45, and MA1-65. An ergonomic design laser welding torch that’s lightweight and robust with single trigger operation. In fact, the lightest and smallest handheld welding torch in the industry.
This technique comes with many benefits compared to conventional welding such as MIG, TIG, and MMA (stick welding). Get in touch for more information about how laser welding can change your workplace.
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