Welding is a common joining process used to connect two parts. The machining and casting processes cannot produce all of the required components on their own, and the joining process is required. This is a joining process in which the base material and filler material melt to complete the joining.
This article will go over laser beam welding in detail, including its type, operation, benefits, and safety precautions.
What Is Laser Beam Welding?
Laser beam welding is a fusion welding process that uses a laser to join two metal pieces together. The laser beams are directed into the cavity formed by the joining of two metal pieces. When the laser beams strike the metal pieces, they generate enough heat to melt the material between the two metal pieces and fill the cavity. A strong weld is created between the two pieces after cooling.
It is a very effective welding process that is easily automated using robotics machinery. This welding technique is most commonly found in the automotive industry.
Laser Beam Welding Advantages
Here are the advantages of laser beam welding:
- It is capable of producing joints that are much smaller than would be possible with other methods, as well as producing joints at a very high speed.
- It is capable of producing extremely strong joints.
- It can be used with any metal, including titanium, stainless steel, aluminum, and others.
- The two metals are merged together without any deformations or changes in their physical properties during this process.
- It is more accurate than any other technique, it can be used to join metals with various finishes, and the joining surfaces do not have to be flat and smooth.
What Types Of Laser Beam Welding Are There?
The amount of energy delivered to the metal distinguishes these types of laser beam welding. Consider these to be low, medium, and high levels of laser energy.
Conduction or Penetration Mode
Some people may not recognize this as one of the types of laser beam welding since they believe there are only two types: conducting heat into the metal or vaporizing a small metal channel, enabling the laser to penetrate the metal.
However, the conduction/penetration mode uses “medium” energy and achieves greater penetration. Sadly, the laser is not powerful enough to vaporize metal as in the keyhole mode.
Conduction Mode
Conduction mode provides low laser energy to the metal, resulting in shallow weld penetration. It is suitable for joints that do not require high strength because the results are similar to a continuous spot weld. Conduction welds are smooth and attractive, and they are usually wider than they are deep.
There are two kinds of LBW conduction modes:
- Energy transmission
- Direct heating
Keyhole or Penetration Mode
This mode produces welds that are deep and narrow. As a result, some refer to it as penetration mode. Welds made in this mode are typically deeper than wide and more powerful than conduction mode welds.
A high-powered laser vaporizes the base metal in this type of LBW welding, generating a narrow tunnel known as a “keyhole” that reaches down into the joint. This “hole” allows the laser to penetrate deeply into the metal.
How To Find Laser Welding Near Me
Laser welding is ideal for applications that require pin-point accuracy while producing at high speeds. It is non-contact, requires no vacuum, and is ideal for joining thin materials and small components. So, if you’re looking for a dependable provider, you can look online or locally. Find a laser beam welding service provider who can provide customers with high-quality, mission-critical parts.