Laser welding

Laser welding: how does it work?

Laser welding is the fastest way to join metal components. The welding process is really simple: after the metals involved in the process absorbe the light the laser source emits, they melt very quickly and mix together, creating a single weld pool. With the pool's solidification, the process is complete.

To prevent metal surfaces oxidation, during the laser welding process argon gas is utilized.

Laser welding can be used in different fields of application, like molds, hairpin, stainless steel or austenic steels. Thanks to Fujikura fibre laser sources specific design, we are able to work easily even with high back reflection and reflective materials such as aluminium and copper.

The experience gained in the field of laser welding within the Fujikura European Engineering Centre (EEC) in Brescia also allows us to approach critical applications or combined joints between different materials. The presence of surface coatings such as zinc or tin, for example, is not a critical issue for us for this type of process.

Laser welding: pros and cons

Compared to traditional methods (f.i. MIG and TIG welding), laser welding has several advantages, including process speed and lower heat input to the metal being processed. In addition, in most cases laser welding does not require filler materials.

One of the critical points of the laser welding process is that, unless you use very powerful lasers, it will be impossible for you to weld metals with a thickness of more than 20 mm. Furthermore, in order to have a good welding, it is necessary to adopt a very precise approach when positioning the head. This problem can be avoided using the wobbling technique and studying the most suitabile pattern model according to the type of material and its thickness. This will garantee the best welding.