Handheld laser welding machines have gained popularity in recent years and are used across numerous industries for their precision, speed, and reduced heat input. However, choosing the right handheld laser welding machine for a specific application can be a daunting task.
What is a laser welding machine?
Laser welding machines, also commonly known as fiber laser welding machines and laser welders, are devices used for laser-based material processing.
Laser welding involves the use of high-energy laser pulses to selectively heat small areas of the material. The intense laser radiation transmits heat through conduction, causing the material to melt and form a specific molten pool, facilitating the welding process.
Hand-held laser welding machines, equipped with portable welding guns instead of fixed optical paths, allow for flexible and convenient welding operations. They offer extended welding distances, overcoming the limitations of workspace and enabling the welding of non-uniformly sized workpieces. These machines are primarily used for welding large workpieces at fixed positions such as internal right angles, external right angles, and flat welding seams. They represent a novel and versatile welding technique for large workpieces, allowing effective welding of carbon steel, stainless steel, galvanized sheet metal, and other metal materials. They are suitable for various welding applications, including sputtering, stack welding, internal and external fillet welding, circular arc welding, and welding of irregular shapes.
How much does a handheld laser welding machine cost?
The cost of handheld laser welding machines in 2023 varies on the market. The Lightweld 1500 laser welding system ranges from $7,850.00 to $9,420.00, while handheld laser welding machines range from $7,850.00 to $13,345.00. The price of air-cooled handheld laser welding machines is around $15,000.00. The variation in prices is primarily due to the configuration of the welding machine.
The cost of a laser welder machine differs based on several factors. These include the thickness of the metal sheet to be welded, the required power of the handheld laser welding machine, the type of nozzle and wire filling system for the laser welding torch, as well as the choice of lasers and water coolers by different handheld fiber laser welding machine suppliers. To find affordable laser welders, it is advisable to thoroughly research welding machine manufacturers.
What are the types of laser welding machines?
Laser welding machines are known by various names, such as laser welding machines, energy negative feedback laser welding machines, fiber laser welding machines, laser cold welding machines, laser argon welding machines, laser welding equipment, and more.
Based on their working methods, laser welding machines can be categorized into manual laser welding equipment (laser mold burners), high-power aluminum laser welding machines, handheld laser welding machines, Lightweld 1500 laser welding system, portable laser welding machines, continuous laser welding machines, vibrating mirror laser welding machines, automatic laser welding machines, jewelry laser welding machines, compound laser welding machines, robot laser welding machines, laser spot welding machines, fiber optic transmission laser welding machines, laser welding and marking machines, and more.
Laser welding machines can also be classified based on the type of laser source they use, such as fiber lasers, CO2 lasers, and YAG lasers. Each of these laser sources has its own advantages and is suitable for different welding materials.
Specialized laser welding equipment includes sensor welding machines, silicon steel sheet laser welding equipment, and keyboard laser welding equipment. Laser welding machines can be used to weld points, lines, circles, squares, or any flat shapes defined by software.
The Application of Handheld Laser Welding Machines in the Industry
Handheld laser welding machines are suitable for welding stainless steel, carbon steel, silicon steel, copper, aluminum alloy, gold, silver, chromium, nickel, titanium, tantalum, and other metals or alloys. They can also be used for welding various dissimilar materials. These machines find wide application in precision instruments and meters, electronic components, home appliances, medical equipment, mobile phone communication, mobile phone parts, computer shells, sinks, stainless steel kitchen products, vacuum insulation cups, sensors, mold accessories, safes, distribution boxes, stainless steel products, aluminum products, copper products, alloy materials, watches and glasses, jewelry, hardware components, and other industries.
Scenarios where Handheld Laser Welding Machines can be used: Handheld laser welding machines are suitable for almost all materials used in the industrial sector.
- Laser welding of sheet metal, chassis, and water tanks.
- Laser welding of various types of hardware lamps.
- Laser welding of door and window frames.
- Laser sealing welding of kitchen and bathroom hardware, washbasins.
- Laser welding of billboards and advertising letters.
6 light sources for laser welding
- Spot welding: Small spot with high energy. This mode is suitable for welding through or cutting through materials.
- Linear welding: Adjustable width with certain material penetration. It can be used for sputtering, wire feed welding, and positive corner welding.
- Type “0” welding: Adjustable diameter with uniform energy density distribution. It is suitable for high-frequency welding of thin plates.
- Double “0” welding: Adjustable diameter, mainly used to reduce the spot size and suitable for welding at various angles.
- Triangle welding: Adjustable width, heating the plate in the middle and on both sides while reducing the spot size.
- “8” welding: An extension of the triangle welding, repeatedly heating the plate with a larger width.
Top 11 Advantages of Handheld Laser Welding Machines
- Handheld welding torch offers flexibility and convenience, allowing for long-distance laser welding and overcoming the limitations of workspace.
- Equipped with 5m-10m original optical fiber, the handheld welding head is flexible and convenient for outdoor welding.
- Handheld operation mode with special welding nozzle enables welding at any angle on any part of the workpiece.
- Compatible with various laser sources to meet different process requirements. Welding is done in a single operation, minimizing deformation and ensuring high-quality products.
- Produces beautiful weld seams with no scars or discoloration, eliminating the need for subsequent polishing.
- Provides solid welds with strength meeting or exceeding that of the base material.
- Suitable for spiral welding, stack welding, internal and external fillet welding, circular arc welding, and welding of irregular shapes.
- Highly functional and ergonomically designed for various working environments.
- Equipped with proprietary laser safety operation protection functions to ensure operator safety during work.
- Simple and easy to operate, with a low technical threshold, saving labor costs.
- Some welding equipment is integrated into a compact cabinet, combining the laser, chiller, and software control. This design offers the advantages of a small footprint, easy mobility, and strong functionality.
Top 6 Factors to Consider When Selecting a Handheld Laser Welding Machine
- Power Output: The power output of the laser welding machine should match the materials being welded, the thickness of the weld, and the required speed of the operation. Typically, higher-powered machines are used for thicker material and faster welding speeds.
- Size and Portability: Size and portability are important factors to consider for handheld laser welding machines. Generally, smaller, more compact machines provide more freedom and flexibility, resulting in a better reach of the area to weld.
- Control System: The control system of the handheld laser welding machine should allow the user to adjust the welding settings easily and precisely.
- Type of Laser: Two types of lasers, fiber, and CO2, are used in handheld laser welding machines. Fiber lasers are perfect for welding thin materials, whereas CO2 lasers are ideal for thicker materials.
- Maintenance and Support: Consider the maintenance and support provided by the equipment manufacturer, both the cost and frequency of servicing the machine, is an essential factor to evaluate.
- Budget: In choosing a handheld laser welding machine, the cost of acquisition plays a significant part in your final decision, as machines range in price, depending on specifications, from thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Handheld Laser Welding Machine
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Power Output | Match the materials being welded, the thickness of the weld, and the required speed. |
| Size and Portability | Compact machines provide more freedom and flexibility for reach. |
| Control System | Control system should allow for easy and precise adjustments. |
| Type of Laser | Fiber or CO2 lasers, depending on thickness of materials. |
| Maintenance and Support | Consider cost and frequency of servicing. |
| Budget | Machines range in price, depending on specifications. |
5 Applications for Handheld Laser Welding Machines
Handheld laser welding machines have numerous applications, and some of the most common include:
- Medical Devices: Laser welding is ideal for precision welding in medical device manufacturing, such as surgical tools and implants, due to the minimally invasive nature of handheld machines.
- Jewelry Making: Handheld laser welding machines provide perfect precision and control, making them ideal for welding finely detailed pieces in the jewelry-making industry.
- Automotive Industry: Welding car parts, such as door handles and console components using handheld laser, machines ensures a better outlook for design and shape.
- Electronics: Handheld laser welding is precise work for electronics, particularly in the manufacturing of small components like sensors.
- Aerospace: Welding of aerospace components, including fuel tanks, engines, and landing gear, use the handheld laser welding machine’s ability to work on different alloys and metals.
Conclusion
The selection of a handheld laser welding machine is a critical choice in the manufacturing process since it has the potential to change the effectiveness of a process. Therefore, understanding the key factors and the specific requirements of the application can help ease the selection process. Furthermore, once the proper laser welding equipment is selected, the greatest results will be achieved through regular maintenance and continuous learning through training. Owing to the numerous applications of handheld laser welding machines, this equipment is an asset that improves output in various fields.