Handheld laser welding machines are popular tools in the manufacturing industry, allowing for precise and efficient welding of various metals. One essential factor that determines the effectiveness and reliability of handheld laser welding machines is the power output.
What is Power Output and How is it Measured?
Power output on a handheld laser welding machine is a measure of the amount of laser energy that the machine produces and emits. This energy is delivered in the form of a laser beam, which is responsible for melting and fusing two or more adjoining metals.
Power output is measured in watts (W), with different ranges available depending on the machine’s power capabilities. The greater the power output value, the more laser energy the machine can produce and emit.
How Power Output Affects the Welding Process
Power output is a critical factor in the welding process as it determines how fast and efficiently the machine can complete a weld. High-power output lasers can weld thicker materials, produce deeper penetration, and complete welds more quickly than lower-power output lasers.
However, power output can also have a significant impact on the quality of the weld. High power output can cause material distortion, surface imperfections, and even burn-through, resulting in a weaker weld. On the other hand, low power output can lead to incomplete penetration or weak welds.
It’s essential to select the appropriate power output level depending on the material type, thickness, and joint configuration to achieve a successful and high-quality weld. The right power output ensures there is enough energy to melt and fuse the components while avoiding excess melting and distortion.
Five Factors Affecting Power Output Selection
Several factors can impact the power output selection for handheld laser welding machines, including:
- Material thickness and type: The thickness and type of material being welded will determine how much laser energy is required to create a successful weld.
- Joint configuration: The joint configuration, such as overlap, butt, or fillet, will impact the amount of laser energy needed to create a weld.
- Welding speed: Welding speed also determines the amount of energy required to complete a weld successfully.
- Environment: The welding environment, such as ambient temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure, can affect laser performance and power output.
- Desired weld quality: Ultimately, the desired quality of the weld will influence the selection of the most appropriate power output level.
Power Outputs for Handheld Laser Welding Machines with Material Type and Thickness Guidelines
| Power Output | Material Thickness Guidelines |
|---|---|
| 100W | 0.3mm – 1.0mm |
| 200W | 1.0mm – 3.0mm |
| 300W | 3.0mm – 6.0mm |
| 400W | 6.0mm – 8.0mm |
(Source: Adapted from https://www.or-laser.com/technology/power-output-welding-speed-for-laser-welding.pdf)
Summary
Power output is a crucial factor that impacts the effectiveness and quality of handheld laser welding machines. It determines how fast and efficiently the machine can complete a weld, which is important for manufacturing productivity. However, power output must be selected carefully to avoid welding issues like structural weakness or a weaker weld. By considering material thickness and type, joint configuration, and other environmental factors, manufacturers can make the proper selection of power output for their handheld laser welding machines, ensuring success, quality and avoiding failure.