Views: 54 Author: heyu Publish Time: 03-03-2021 Origin: Site
TIG and MIG welding have long been known as a good choice for welding small parts due to their excellent finish. However, such welding requires expertise and dexterity, and considering its controllability, it suffers from a range of drawbacks. Laser welding is an ideal alternative that always outperforms arc welding methods, and its tightly-focused beam eliminates heat effects. Laser welding is capable of welding activities outside the ability of conventional welding processes.
Traditional Welding Methods
Orthodox type of welding TIG and MIG processes use shielding gas to produce an inert atmosphere around the welding head. With TIG, the arc is formed by a tungsten electrode and a hand holding filler material is used, while with MIG welding the electrode is the filler wire. This welders can be modified to allow the welding of fragile components and the final welding quality is high. Another widely used technique is spot-welding, which operates by clamping sections between a pair of electrodes and transferring electrical current. Both arc and spot-welding processes transfer a large amount of heat to the workpiece, which impacts the metallurgical structure around the weld.
The heat needed for welding is provided by a tightly-focused light beam with a diameter as small as two thousandths of an inch. Welding is achieved by firing a sequence of short pulses that heat the metal to achieve high-quality welding. Depending on the unique welding job, filler material can be needed as in TIG welding. As the laser beam is closely centered, the heat input is reduced and the pieces can be treated almost instantly.
Laser Welding Advantages
Precise control of the laser beam offers users several benefits over TIG, MIG and spot-welding:
Weld strength: The laser weld is narrow with an excellent depth-to-width ratio and higher strength.
Heat affected zone: The heat affected zone is limited, and due to rapid cooling, the surrounding material is not annealed.
Metals: Lasers successfully weld carbon steel, high strength steel, stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, and precious metals as well as dissimilar materials.
Precision work: The compact, closely regulated laser beam allows precise micro-welding of miniature components.
Deformation: Sections with limited deformity or shrinkage.
No touch: no physical contact between the material head and the laser head.
One-sided welding: Laser welding will replace spot welding requiring just one-sided entry.
Scrap: Laser welding is controllable and produces low scrap volumes.
ApplicationsThe special properties of laser welding give it a major benefit over other types of welding and can be used in a variety of ways:
Precision parts: Lasers are excellent for welding fine and delicate metal components and produce minimal internal stresses due to minimal heat input.
Medical equipment: non-contact welding with no welding plate guarantees hygiene when welding medical devices.
Solenoids and machined products: Lasers are suitable for joining machined parts, such as solenoids, and are minimally blurred due to low heat input.
Esthetics: Laser welding finishes are excellent.
Restricted access: the non-contact laser beam enables welding in otherwise inaccessible locations.
Welding of jewelry and high value items: Precision control and minimal heating effects make it a good alternative for welding high-quality, high-precision materials, including precious metals.
Improving efficiency with laser welding Laser welding can solve many engineering issues, in particular with regard to materials that are vulnerable to the effects of intense heat input, are prone to distortion or require highly accurate welding. Contact us at leapion laser to see how our welding solutions can enhance the production processes and efficiency.
