Cost Comparison of Argon Arc Welding and Laser Welding

In terms of cost structures, laser welding equipment is more expensive, but has lower long-term maintenance and energy costs, and is particularly suitable for precision processing and mass production. TIG welding is more adaptable, and is more suitable for small-scale production.When selecting, one must take into account product accuracy requirements, order size, and labor costs.

These are the basic characteristics of laser welding and argon arc welding.

Laser welding uses a high-energy laser to directly melt the materials, and is particularly suitable for precision parts or thin plates.TIG welding uses an inert gas to protect the arc and heat the metal. It is flexible, but it puts a lot of heat into the metal, making it more prone to deformation. It is best suited to thick plates and applications where precision is not critical.

Cost of equipment.

Initial investment.

Laser marking machines with welding modules generally cost between NT $ 200,000 and NT $ 500,000, with the most advanced models costing even more.TIG welders, on the other hand, are much more affordable, with entry-level models going for several thousand NTD, and industrial models generally costing less than NT $ 50,000.

Costs for accessories and expendable materials.

MIG welding requires a continuous supply of argon gas, tungsten electrodes, and welding wire. Over the long term, this adds up to an expenditure of at least several hundred NT dollars a month.Laser welding mainly consumes electricity, and occasionally requires the replacement of protective lenses. The maintenance costs are clearly lower.

Cost analysis of long-term use.

Energy consumption and efficiency.

Although laser welding uses more energy per weld, it's three to five times faster than TIG welding, so it's actually more energy-efficient when you compare the amount of energy used per unit of work.For example, to weld a 1-meter-long seam in stainless steel, laser welding might take just 10 seconds, while gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) would take at least a minute.

There are the costs of labor and rework.

The TIG welding process requires a high degree of skill from the welder, and if he makes a slight mistake, the weld can be perforated or the weld can be contaminated. The scrap rate is usually above 5 %.Laser welding has a high degree of automation, and even a beginner can operate it steadily. The scrap rate can be kept under 1 %.

How to get the best deal.

If the company primarily deals with small batches of diverse products, then the low threshold of TIG welding is even more appropriate.But for high-precision products like cell phone parts or medical equipment, or for production that requires 24-hour operation, laser welding, despite the high initial investment, can save more than 30 % of the total cost in the long run.