With so many laser welding machines on the market, choosing the right one can be tricky. You search through the welding machines on offer but quickly find yourself overwhelmed, unsure which is better for you and your needs. How are you supposed to choose one out of the countless options available?
That’s where we come in to help! Our guide today walks you through every factor you must consider before deciding which laser welding machine is right for you. Using our guidance, you can make your purchase today with ease.
What Is A Laser Welding Machine?
Laser welding machines use a high-intensity laser beam to fuse materials with fantastic precision. You can use these to weld various materials, including ceramics, metals, and plastics. Laser welding machines are used for jewellery making, to create medical devices, and in aerospace and aviation, to fuse together intricate parts of jet engines.
There are several types of laser welding machines, with slightly different purposes, including:
Fibre Laser Welding Machines
These offer high energy efficiency and are perfect for welding thin materials. These versatile welding machines can be used for seam and spot welding.
CO2 Laser Welding Machines
These welding machines have deep penetration capabilities, allowing you to weld thicker materials together. CO2 laser welding machines are typically used in industries where durable and strong welds are needed.
Nd: YAG Laser Welding Machines
These machines are generally used in jewellery and electronics industries where precise welding is needed. They use focused beams that allow you to complete intricate work without worrying about the heat or laser impacting other areas of your materials.
How To Choose The Right Laser Welding Machine
Several factors, including speed, energy, and material compatibility, must be considered when choosing a laser welding machine. We have outlined each factor below to help you narrow your choice and find your laser welding machine.
Material Compatibility
First, you need to check if the welding machine suits the materials you plan to use. Different laser welding machines are better suited to specific materials, so we recommend checking the material compatibility with each type of laser welding machine before purchasing.
Welding Speed
Another factor to consider is the welding speed of the machine. You want one that balances precision and welding speed to help you increase productivity without compromising on quality. Look for welding machines where the speed can be easily adjusted, especially if you work with materials of varying thickness. You will need to reduce the welding speed for thicker materials to ensure you cut through the material without any defects.
Power And Energy
Your laser welding machine’s power and energy output must also be considered. High-power lasers are a better choice for thicker materials, as they have the increased power to comfortably cut through them and weld them to other thick materials when needed.
Lower-powered lasers are a good choice for thinner materials, where you don’t need high power to cut through and weld pieces together. Before deciding which power and energy you need, consider the materials you plan to use to help make your decision.
Beam Quality
The quality of your laser beam determines how precise it will be. You want excellent beam quality to enjoy clean and reliable welds, especially when working with intricate designs. The beam quality should be listed on the welding machine, or you can check out reviews from other users to see how they found it.
Maintenance
Finally, consider how much maintenance your laser welding machine requires. Every machine requires some maintenance, but we think it’s best to opt for a low-maintenance one, especially if you don’t have much free time. You can also look for laser welding machines whose manufacturers offer maintenance support. It’s worth considering the warranty period, too, to see if you can avoid any costly repairs and replacements.
What Are The Advantages Of A Laser Welding Machine?
When deciding which machine to choose, you might wonder about their advantages. Laser welding machines have several advantages: precision, versatility, and easy cleanup. The advantages are listed below for you to explore:
- They have minimal post-welding cleanup for a clean workspace
- They can be integrated into automated systems for high-speed production with little intervention
- They offer non-contact welding, reducing the risk of contamination and wear and tear
- They provide a minimal heat transfer to the surrounding material to reduce the risk of distortion and warping
- They are versatile, allowing you to use them on a variety of materials
- They are efficient and fast, helping you to improve your production speed
- They are precise, allowing you to complete intricate work with minimal issues
- They are environmentally friendly, providing you with a clean and safe work environment
Final Thoughts
Deciding which laser welding machine to choose doesn’t have to be a tricky task. By considering its speed, beam quality, and compatible materials, you can narrow down the choices and find the perfect machine for your needs.
