Lasers welding can direct energy to a very small area allowing for a very precise weld. Due to the precision of being able to weld as small as a few thousandths of an inch or less, there is no other method as efficient as lasers.
- Almost 20 years ago, laser welding was in its infancy and used primarily for exotic applications where no other welding process would be suitable.
- Laser welding could be used in place of many different standard processes, such as resistance (spot or seam), submerged arc, RF induction, high-frequency resistance, ultrasonic and electron-beam.
- While most laser applications are dedicated to one product or process that involves high-volume, long-run manufacturing, the versatility of a laser to supply energy to hard-to-reach spots, vary the output energy over a wide range, operate under the control of computers and robots and put minimum heat into the part makes it ideal for many flexible manufacturing operations.
- As a result of these broad differences, the two laser types are usually employed for different applications. The powerful CO2 lasers overcome the high reflectance by keyholing, wherein the absorption approaches blackbody.
- Still, if you need the brute power, it can be guided to the workpiece through optics or articulating arms (attached to robots, if desired).
- Coupled with robotics and computer-controlled beam movements or workpiece movements, laser welding systems offer an unmatched versatility to perform a variety of operations.
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