?In this digital age, Tech revolution has taken our lives to a next level, and one of the most successful breakthroughs has been Laser welding technology. Laser welding is a highly precise, cost-effective and efficient welding technology that helps save 20% of production time compared to manual welding & up to 70% compared to traditional arc welding!
It provides superior weld quality and can be used on a wide variety of materials such as stainless steel, aluminium, brass & even titanium. According to a recent survey, laser welding is responsible for saving an estimated 6 billion dollars annually in manufacturing costs.
Also, the market size of laser welding is predicted to grow to 2 billion dollars by the year 202 This article will explain the concept of laser welding and its working principle.
What Is Laser Welding?
Laser welding is a type of welding that utilizes laser radiation to heat and melt the two edges of the joint together.Generally, high-intensity light is focused by a lasing medium to create a powerful beam of light that is focused on the two pieces of metal to be joined. The laser welding method has several advantages over other types of welding, such as TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding and MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding.
Advantages of Laser Welding
- High Strength: Laser welding produces stronger connections than other welding techniques.
The laser welds penetrate deeper into the material and provide a strong bond that is highly resistant to environmental conditions such as corrosion and fatigue.
- Higher Precision: The laser beam creates a precision contact that allows for a precise and accurate weld.
This can be useful for delicate and intricate parts which require exceptionally precise welding.
- High Speed: Another benefit of laser welding is its speed. The laser beam can be directed to the exact location of the two pieces to be joined and can perform welding at a very fast pace, often several times faster than other welding methods.
- Lower Heat Input: Laser welding requires less input energy, meaning it causes less damage to the material. This is especially beneficial when it comes to joining thin materials, as the heat does not affect the surrounding material.
- Low Distortion: Since laser welding results in less heat input, it also results in less distortion. This is especially beneficial when working with thin materials, as distortion can cause the materials to warp or deform.
- Different Materials: Laser welding can be used to weld a wide range of metals and alloys, including aluminum, stainless steel, brass, copper, and titanium.
- High Automation: The process of laser welding can be easily automated using robotic arms and other automated equipment. This allows for faster production and more accurate production.
Disadvantages of Laser Welding
- High Initial Cost: Laser welding is a very expensive process due to the machinery and specialized tools required. This makes it difficult for small businesses to make use of the process.
- Time Consuming: Depending on the thickness of the material, laser welding can be a time-consuming process. This is due to the precision required for a strong and reliable weld.
- Requires Expertise: Laser welding requires a high level of expertise and attention to detail to ensure a quality job. This makes it difficult to automate and can be difficult for inexperienced welders.
- Reflection: The laser beam can be reflected off the surface of the material, resulting in poor welds and wasted energy. This problem can be solved using specialized reflectors and other techniques.