Laser beam welding (LBW) is a technique used to join multiple pieces of metal using a laser. The beam provides a concentrated heat source, allowing for narrow, deep welds and high welding rates. The process is frequently used in high, medium, and low volume applications, in industries requiring precision, consistency, and quality, such as
- Medical
- Aerospace
- Automotive
Traditional TIG welding, also known as GTAW, has evolved to become Micro Welding, using electric current applied to the workpiece. This generates heat at the point of the arc gap to establish a molten pool, at which point the filler rod is introduced.
Micro Welding
What is Micro-Welding? “Micro” is different for everyone. Simply put means welding anything smaller than traditional welding options. Generally speaking, between 5mm thick to as small as 0.007 mm. Micro Welding is performed with the aid of a high-powered microscope. Just as important, it is done at extremely low amperage (usually less than ten amps) with fine control of the amperage range. This stable low amperage welding minimizes warp stress and fatigue on the metal.
Benefits of Micro Welding
- Reduced Heat Input
- Reduced Warpage
- Smaller Weld Size
Laser Welding
Laser welding uses light energy to heat the weld zone rapidly, melting the filler rod along with the adjacent point of metal joining. The light energy intensity is controlled by beam size, voltage, and pulse width, singularly or repeated at varying intervals. Because an independent high-intensity light source is used, no current flows through the workpiece. Therefore, there are no electrical connections or current polarity effects on the weld or the workpiece with laser welding.
The laser process generates no heat in the workpiece by electrical current flow or resistance to flow. Because the laser beam is used to melt the base material and the filler rod, the process becomes a line-of-sight and a focal-point-limited process. Microscopic magnification, similar to micro welding, also is used in the laser welding process.
Important Quality Control Choices
The equipment controls, choice of welder, and weld wire selection in the micro welding process are critical to the result. Integrated Technologies Inc. prides itself on having the best welders. Our experience has taught us how to produce exactly what our customers want. Our efficient and repeatable process allows us to understand your needs and deliver the highest quality end product within your timetable. Contact us today!
