A beam of laser light is utilized in the precise laser welding process, which fuses metal components. This technology has acquired many applications across industries. It is used to automate small-component welding, where precise control eliminates the need for cleaning. This technology is helpful in the automotive, aerospace, and electronics industries. So, how does laser welding work? View more of this technology.
What Is Laser Welding?
Laser welding, which joins metal components with beam light, is a precise and delicate process. A laser source generates the laser beam. The laser beam is directed onto the workpiece via a machine-mounted or handheld collimator. The workpieces (and filler rod) are heated and melted by the directed energy beam if necessary. The resulting melt pool fuses the targets to form a well-integrated weld.
A significant benefit of laser welding is the ability to regulate the amount of energy applied. With minimal overapplication or dispersal, the energy can be guided to the specific area where the weld is required. Unlike other welding techniques, it permits liquefaction with a small, heat-affected zone. Doing so mitigates the impact on adjacent regions, reducing the resulting deformation and bulk heating.
How Does Laser Welding Work?
A laser beam applies heat to do laser welding. The material is melted on both sides of the joint, and its resolidification joins the components.
A laser and optics are required to focus it, a method to move the beam over the joint accurately, and a worktable to hold the components.
Refining or ” organizing” light waves through optics to produce a narrow, energetic beam is complex. Power levels vary among the many varieties of lasers. However, the right beam can heat metal to high temperatures on both joint sides.
The laser transfers the required energy. Depending on the laser and the workpieces, the necessity to emit the beam at the metal in pulses lasting a few milliseconds may vary. A continuous beam might also be optimal. The degree of control over the LBW configuration that distributes heat to the components relies upon the required power.
A few seconds will pass before the molten metal resolidifies and cools. Even so, the welding process is generally rapid, which contributes to its efficient nature in joining components.
So, LBW is utilized in environments requiring high welding rates, such as production lines.
Advantages of Laser Welding
Hybrid laser arc welding is possible by combining laser welding with arc welding. It demonstrates the versatility of laser welding. The resultant weld exhibits the positive attributes of both arc and laser welding. Additionally, the weld possesses deep penetrating joints and enhanced joint fit-up tolerance. Additionally, undesirable consequences like internal porosity and fractures are diminished.
In contrast to conventional welding techniques, laser beam welding presents the following benefits:
· Increased processing rate
Despite the large initial investment, laser welding is more cost-effective than conventional welding. Its faster processing speed leads to increased output and a quicker turnaround time.
· Reduced heat
The narrow focus of a concentrated laser beam diminishes a heat-affected zone (HAZ). Thus, laser welding need a reduced temperature input compared to conventional welding methods.
· High precision
Concentrating the laser beam on a specific region is possible. This affords the ability to weld components with exceptional accuracy. Laser welding is particularly well-suited for delicate or thin metals due to its ability to adjust the spot size.
· Reduces thermal distortion risk
Due to the minimal heat input required for the procedure, thermal stress is reduced. The focused beam reduces heat-induced internal stress. Moreover, melting a limited metal region distorts the workpiece.
Applications of Laser Welding
Laser welding is utilized in various contexts. It has extensive material tolerance, rapid processing time, high precision, and consistent quality. Among the different applications of laser welding are the following:
· Shipbuilding
Control, drive screws, and rudders are produced in the shipbuilding industry using laser welding. This ensures exceptional toleransces and precision. As a consequence, ships achieve increased velocities and reduced petroleum consumption.
· Automotive Sector
Laser welding is suitable for the automotive industry. It has tool-free operation and lacks head replacement requirements.
· Steel Construction
Laser technology is implemented in the steel construction sector. It has high productivity and output capabilities. Laser welding enables the high-speed, high-tolerance processing of dense metal sheets.
