Laser welding uses a high-precision laser beam to fuse metals and thermoplastics. The accuracy and precision of the process produces low thermal distortion, making it perfect for welding sensitive materials. The process is most often automated, allowing for high welding rates.<\/p>\n
Let’s dive deeper into the concept behind laser welding.<\/p>\n
Laser welding or laser beam welding (LBW) is a process that uses a concentrated heat source in the form of a laser to melt the materials, which fuse together as they cool down. It is a versatile process since it can weld thin materials at rapid welding speeds while running narrow and deep welds for thicker materials.<\/p>\n
While laser welding equipment costs more than traditional welding processes<\/a>, its operating costs are lower since it doesn’t necessarily require additional filler material and post-processing. Also, the high welding speeds allow the production of more parts per hour. The technology behind this process distinguishes significantly from conventional arc welding processes such as MIG<\/a>, TIG and SMAW<\/a>. Modern laser welding applications use programmable robots incorporated with advanced optics to precisely target an area in the workpiece.<\/p>\n There are two different types of laser beam welding, both with unique operating principles to suit specific applications. The way that the material interacts depends on the laser beam’s power density.<\/p>\n In this method, a focused laser beam is used to melt the surface of the base materials. When the joint solidifies, a precise and smooth weld seam is produced. Welds created using the head conduction method do not generally need any additional finishing, the quality is great “out of the box”.<\/p>\n The energy enters the weld zone only by heat conduction. This limits the welding depth and thus the process is great for joining thin materials. Heat conduction welding is often used for visible weld seams which need to be aesthetically pleasing.<\/p>\n There are two subcategories of heat conduction welding:<\/p>\n Direct heating <\/strong>– the laser beam directly applies its power on the surface of the metals.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Energy transmission<\/strong> – absorbing ink is applied to the joint, soaking up the energy that the laser beam applies.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Running the process in keyhole welding (deep penetration) mode creates deep, narrow welds with uniform structure. For metals, power densities of about 1 megawatt per square centimetre are applied. This does not only melt the metal but vapourises it, creating a narrow vapour-filled cavity.<\/p>\n This is called a keyhole cavity or vapour capillary and is filled with molten metal as the laser beam advances through the workpiece. Keyhole welding is a high-speed process and thus, the distortion and the formation of a heat-affected zone<\/a> are kept to a minimum.<\/p>\nTypes of Laser Beam Welding<\/h3>\n
Heat Conduction Welding<\/h4>\n
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Deep Penetration\/Keyhole Welding<\/h4>\n
Laser Beam Welding Process<\/h3>\n