Laser welding, which utilizes light amplification with stimulated radiation emission, is an advanced technology system for industrial fabrications. Its application spans a discrete array of industries, from aerospace to fine technical materials. One of the typical applications for this system is joining metals in a particular anchor. Laser welding uses radiation at some definite points. It joins two components together; thus, it melts both sides of the abutting material—the melted material fuses and forms the requiring joint. Manufacturers have experience in this method for about 30 years. However, other traditional welding systems are still in competition with this method. Due to the growth of technology and 3d rendering and printing of metal objects, laser welding is rapidly gaining popularity.
The laser-cut fabrication method is the most precise way to cut metals. The system is high-speed due to its enormous energy density. The affected zones from heat are extremely minimal can cause neglection. Laser cutting has unique characteristics that distinguish the method from flame cutting systems. Plates that have flaming fabrication system require deburring and milling to suite applications. Contract service providers and sheet metal processors rely on this modern technology, and the method continues impressing manufacturers with its efficiency, precision and quality.
History
Albert Einstein published his first thoughts on laser systems about a hundred years ago. In 1928 the experiment proved the functionality of this method. After that time, in 1960, humans managed to use ruby to produce the first laser beam. Due to the price of the material, gas became the primary element for creating the beam. The utilization of this fascinating light form was not long in coming. It provided enormous advantages for measurement technology.
How Does the Laser Welding System Work?
The laser Welding process is straightforward. The sheets that require welding are held together, and the laser melts the edges of the metal, and the melts which flow into each other completes the joint. Aluminum plates systems allow manufacturers to utilize the continuous laser welding method. However, for steel materials, especially when they are thicker, the process requires track welding. Stabilizing the metal parts and ensuring constant precision while joining, the staples play an essential role.
Laser Welding Components
Laser Welding machines consists of optics, a worktable, and a motorized guide. For precise joining, the semi-finished product must have firm clamping. For this cause, a differentiation is made between stationary laser and mobile. Stationary laser welding machines contain a worktable with a clamping device. The clamping and the insertion of the static system are either automatic or motorized. However, the size of the worktable can limit the dimensions of demanding products.
Along with the optic and robot arm, another component that is the essential part of the method is the controlling system. The controller’s responsibility is to guide the plotted points’ arm and regulate the laser beam’s intensity and duration. The best compliment to this fabrication system is the cutting process. The precise laser-cut shapes can provide accurate geometry that the machine can use to create the best results.
Advantages of Laser Welding
Laser Welding comes with dozens of benefits and advantages. Here are some of the few services that the process provides for manufacturers.
- Precision
- Torsion Freedom
- High Speed
- No Bur Formation
- Consistent Quality
- Material Tolerance
- Safety
The consistently high exactness of this welding system is its exceptional feature. In addition to the excellent seam, the low-temperature input is an essential plus. In contrast to gas welding, the workflow is low, and a lot of energy is applied; the laser system is significantly fast and minimally invasive. Under ideal conditions, an endless straight seam can process at a speed of up to 60 m/minutes, which prevents the primary material’s complete heating up. Thus, selective thermal expansion does not appear, which can avoid the distortion of the product after cooling. Due to the high speed of the welding process, even thick sheets can be precisely joined in a matter of second. This system’s significant characteristic is that the welded material does not require finishing on the straightening bench.
The pulsed and uniform beam of the laser ensures an individually clean seam. Welding burrs and beads, which are unavoidable in gas or electric welding, do not occur in the laser welding process. Finally, the laser welding machine can process any weldable material. Of all joining methods, this particular system offers a wide range of materials that can be processed, such as glass or plastic, which other welding systems cannot join.
Laser welding is an automated system, and no individual can compare it to traditional manual methods. Therefore, this joining process is famous for its safe production steps. The operator usually keeps a distance, and the only danger that can happen during the process is to look into the laser beams light accidentally. However, wearing protective goggles that can absorb the light is practical to reduce the danger.
