Laser welding|Advantages and Disadvantages of Laser Welding Compared to TIG Welding

Laser welding offers unparalleled accuracy and speed, and is thus a natural choice for the manufacture of electronic components and other precision products.The TIG process is more reliable for thicker materials and complicated work, and the equipment is more affordable.When choosing which process to use, the thickness of the material, the desired treatment of the surface, and the scale of production should all be taken into consideration. In fact, the two processes are more complementary than they are alternatives.

What is so good about laser welding?

The precision is like threading a needle.

The diameter of the laser beam can be controlled to within 0.1 millimeter, and this degree of precision makes it especially popular in the areas of cell phone circuit board welding and jewelry processing.Compared to traditional welding, which can easily lead to spattering, laser welding can be directed precisely.

The whole process is over in the blink of an eye.

Ordinary welding requires a preheating period, but with laser welding, you can start working as soon as you turn on the machine.It takes only a few seconds to weld a piece of one-millimeter-thick steel plate, and this efficiency is especially useful for mass production lines such as those in the auto industry.However, it is important to note that moving too quickly can affect the welding results for certain materials.

Why hasn't the tungsten inert gas welding process been eliminated?

The king of thick boards.

When the plate is more than 5 millimeters thick, the old masters still prefer MIG welding.Although laser welding is advanced, the problem of its inability to penetrate very thick materials is exposed.For example, when welding the outer hull of a ship, TIG welding is the method of choice.

Cost advantages still exist.

The money needed to buy a laser machine could buy more than a dozen TIG welders. This is no small sum for a small or medium-sized enterprise.In addition, it takes only two weeks to train a new welder, which is very attractive in a time of labor shortages.

There are three major points to consider when making a selection.

The thickness of the material determines the technique.

Laser welding is used for the thin metal frames of cellphones, while TIG welding is used for heavy-duty pressure vessels.Generally speaking, 3 millimeters is the dividing line. If the sheet is thicker than this, it is recommended that traditional welding methods be given priority.

The surface finish is also important.

Laser welding requires a very high degree of surface cleanliness, and even a small amount of oil can affect the quality of the weld.If the product requires electroplating after welding, the smooth welds produced by TIG welding have an even greater advantage.

The production rhythm must match.

Laser welding is fast-paced and suitable for mass production, while TIG welding can be more flexible and is better suited for custom products.One client that makes medical equipment complained that the laser equipment he bought was often idle, and that it would be more cost-effective to outsource the welding work to a specialist factory.

Should Small Factories Invest in Laser Equipment?

When it comes to deciding whether to invest in laser equipment, small manufacturers must consider the volume of orders, the appropriateness of the technology, and maintenance costs.Although laser welding and marking can significantly increase efficiency, equipment selection must match actual business needs. The secondhand market also poses hidden risks.The company is advised to lease the equipment for a short term to test its suitability, and focus on whether long-term, stable processing orders can cover the equipment investment, while at the same time doing a good job of preparing a pool of skilled personnel.

Laser Welding in the Auto Industry

Laser welding is revolutionizing the automotive manufacturing industry, from body structures to battery assembly. Its precise and efficient characteristics make it a necessity for modern auto manufacturers.In practical applications, this technology not only increases the strength and airtightness of components, but has also played a key role in the field of electric vehicles.With the integration of auxiliary technologies like laser marking, the automotive production line will achieve an even more intelligent quality control system.

Selecting the Right Welding Method

Material thickness is the key factor in choosing a laser welding method. Thin materials must be welded with a pulsed laser to avoid burn-through. Medium-thickness materials can be welded with a continuous laser, which balances efficiency and quality.In practice, the power, speed, and amount of defocusing must be adjusted according to the characteristics of the material being welded. The parameters must be tested and verified, and attention must be paid to equipment maintenance and real-time observation of the pool of molten metal.

Common Defects and Solutions in Laser Welding

The most common problems in laser welding are the appearance of bubbles, cracks, and uneven welds, all of which can be caused by dirty materials, improper parameter settings, or inadequate maintenance of the welding equipment.By standardizing pre-welding treatment, optimizing power and speed parameters, regularly calibrating the laser beam, and managing the protective gas, the quality of the welds can be effectively improved.Regular attention to the cleanliness of the mirrors, the maintenance of the cooling system, and the control of environmental temperature and humidity can greatly reduce the frequency of equipment breakdowns and extend the life of the laser marker.

Which welding method is best for stainless steel?

In terms of practical performance in stainless steel processing, laser welding has the advantages of precision and efficiency, and is therefore better suited to the precise welding of thin sheets. However, traditional methods such as tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding still have advantages in the processing of thick sheets and in situations where costs are a concern.When choosing the right technology, one must take into account the thickness of the materials, the requirements of the product, and the budget. For export-grade products or for workpieces with a high demand for surface quality, laser welding is still the preferred option.

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.

What to look out for when maintaining a laser welder

Maintenance of a laser welding machine involves paying particular attention to the cleanliness of the optical components, testing of the core system, and environmental management.The laser head window must be regularly wiped clean, and the power stability monitored. The cooling system filter must be replaced in a timely manner, and the temperature and humidity kept stable.When you use it, get into the habit of warming it up first. If it breaks down, record the code. When you shut it down, cut the power completely.If these details are handled properly, it can effectively extend the life of the equipment and ensure that the welding is precise and stable.