Laser Welding Creates Potential for Small Parts Applications

Laser welding is an effective method for joining small parts with tight tolerances. In the future, it will compete with traditional methods of welding or replace assembly/joining technologies benefiting industries that have never used laser welding before.

Using light in the form of laser radiation as the energy source is a process used to achieve a balance between the process of thermal fusion and metallurgical effects. Functionally, the laser generates infrared or visible light (usually with the use of Nd-YAG lasers or frequency-doubled "green" lasers for reflective metals) which is delivered through an optical fiber and focusing lens onto the workpiece. Welding is the process that occurs when laser radiation is absorbed by the workpiece and turned into heat raising the temperature in the localized area above the melting point. Movement of the worktable is controlled by CNC in order to produce 2 or 3 dimensional welds. The Focal Point is the "melt pool". It follows the transition of stages on the surface of the workpiece.