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Laser welding is a proven joining method for a variety of today's metals and metal alloys. Various grades of stainless steel, titanium, inconel, and super alloys have been successfully welded with the laser. Its precision, repeatability, and high process speeds, offer a unique alternative to TIG welding, EB welding, resistance welding, brazing, silver soldering, and adhesive bonding. The laser is particularly ideal for high production volumes associated with fully automated or semi-automated tooling applications.
Laser welding, in its most common form, occurs when the laser is used as an intense energy source to selectively heat materials to a point between their melting and vaporizing temperatures. Once molten, the materials are allowed to alloy and then resolidify in a controlled atmosphere. The result is a reliable, oxide-free weldment.
Unlike many of the other joining processes, the overall size and depth-to-width ratio of the weld nugget can be custom tuned in laser welding. By adjusting various parameters such as the laser energy and focal point position, one can create weld ratios ranging from wide and shallow to narrow and deep. In most cases the part geometry dictates this ratio.
- Minimum part distortion - Due to small Heat Affected Zones (HAZ).
- Weldability near heat sensitive components - Due to small HAZ.
- Weldability in otherwise hard to reach areas - Due to a non-contact operation.
- No secondary clean-up required - Due to the absence of filler metals.
- Repeatable weld placement - Due to the computer controlled process.
- Consistent weld depth and width control - Due to power output controls.
- Cost competitive - Due to minimum set-up time, low fixturing costs, and high feed rates.
 - Hermetically sealed pump rotors.
- Welded motor and transformer lamination stacks.
- Precision welded medical and dental instruments.
- Hermetically sealed pressure vessels.
- Hermetically sealed pressure sensors.
- Precision welded thermocouples.
- Automotive fuel filter assemblies.
- High volume commercial applications.
- Examples of weldable metals:
Stainless Steel 302, 304, 316, 410
Carbon Steel < .25% carbon content
Inconel 718
Hastalloy X, C, B
Titanium
- Examples of application sensitive materials:
Stainless Steel 303, most 400 series
Carbon Steel < .25% carbon content
- Other materials are laser weldable depending on thickness and metal composition.
- Three most common joint configurations: lap, butt, fillet.
- Intimate contact between the materials at the joint is preferred.
- Joint must be free from debris, oils, and large inconsistent chamfers.
- Maximum weld depth 0.200".
- Laserage moves the part, not the beam.
- Available axis are X, Y, Z and Rotation.
- Power ramp-down capability.
- Variety of inert cover gases.
- Maximum work envelope is 18" x 18" x 17" high.
- Sectioning and metallography.
- Torque testing.
- Dye penetrant.
- Leak testing.
- Dimensional measuring.
- Tensile testing.
- Microhardness testing.
If laser welding is of interest to you, consider Laserage Technology Corporation and contact one of our customer service representatives. Since 1979, our mission has been to understand and exceed our customer's needs. At Laserage, we're committed to quality, service, continuous improvement… and you.
Request a quote for a Laser Welding project.
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