As you are already aware, laser welding is an emerging method, bringing a variety of advantages that many users are not aware of. That is why it is normal that doubts arise regarding its operation and characteristics.
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Laser welding is constantly evolving, there is no doubt, because of its great capabilities and advantages, there are many who use this type of laser equipment to make their best welds. In other articles we have discussed how to choose your laser welding machine or how laser welding works. On this occasion, we are going to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about laser welding. This method offers many advantages unknown to many users, which could significantly benefit the production processes of many companies.
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5º What type of laser is it and what is its lifetime?
Laser welding machines are equipped with a fibre laser, which means that they will have a longer service life than other types of lasers. In principle, the lifetime of this laser can be up to 100.000h, which is more than enough time to amortise the machine and make it very profitable. The lifetime can vary depending on many factors such as the form or frequency of use.
Welding requires a high-power heat source to fuse workpieces. Amongst various options available today, fiber lasers are one of the fastest and most precise.
For this reason, fiber laser welding has gained prominence across modern industries such as automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing.
Can fiber laser welding propel your production speed and efficiency? Read on as we discuss this innovative welding technique and its vast applications.
Fiber laser welding uses optical fibers doped with rare-earth elements like ytterbium to convert light into laser beams. The laser diodes convert electrical energy into light, then a coupler combines the light generated by the diodes to form a coherent and intense beam of light.
The concentrated beam is then focused onto the workpiece and melts metal with an average penetration speed of 0.8 inch per second. The workpieces are then fused on cooling.
Many manufacturers realized the impact of fiber laser welding on their daily operations. Its unmatched precision and efficiency over traditional methods make it an optimal choice to streamline production processes.
Here are some reasons why firms choose fiber laser welding.
The ultra-precise beams of fiber laser welding keep a minimal heat-affected zone on the workpieces. Hence, it is easily applicable both with thick and thin metals, non-metals, thermoplastics, and even organic compounds.
Fiber laser welding also supports the fusion of dissimilar metal workpieces because of its controlled heat input that prevents metallurgical issues and thermal distortion.
Manufacturers in the electronics, medical, aerospace, and jewelry industries make tiny parts that need meticulous welding to keep quality high. Amongst welding techniques, fiber laser welding is the one with the highest precision at a micro level which is crucial for the aforementioned industries.
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Moreover, most fiber laser welding machines are designed to focus and melt only specific portions of a workpiece. So, using this welding technique translates to a small heat-affected zone which means more consistent and cleaner welds.
Unlike traditional methods with a steep learning curve to master, fiber laser welding is more beginner-friendly. A fiber laser welding machine typically has an intuitive interface or control that enables quick and easy adjustment of laser power, speed, and focus. Hence, an employee with zero experience can be proficient with this welding technique after a few training sessions.
While MIG and TIG are reliable welding methods, they often produce coarse-grain microstructure because of their limited power input. Thus, MIG and TIG joints are typically vulnerable to cracking or material defects when under stress.
Meanwhile, fiber laser welding’s highly concentrated beams are strong enough to create localized heat-affected zones with fine-grain microstructure. This results in stronger welds that can withstand stress over time.
Estimates indicate that fiber laser welding is about three to ten times faster than the traditional methods because of its highly concentrated beam and high power input.
And since fiber laser welding ensures minimal thermal distortion, manufacturers may not perform post-welding clean-ups, which speeds up the production process.
Even with minimal maintenance, a fiber laser welding machine can operate long-term with consistent performance. It only requires regular cleaning and software updates to ensure it is in good shape.
And since fiber laser welding can fast-track the production process with its impressive penetration speed and accuracy, it drives down the manufacturer’s operational and labor costs over time.
The impressive accuracy, speed, and strength of fiber laser welding make it an ideal choice for many manufacturers in these industries.
Automotive: Fiber laser welding aids in the production of engine components, transmission parts, gears, and fuel injector nozzles. It can also effectively combine steel panels in the car body, roof, or hood.
Electronics: Highly reliable in welding small, intricate pieces such as microchips, connectors, and sensors. It can also assemble metal compact components in smartphones, tablets, and computers with minimal thermal distortion.
Aerospace: Weld turbine blades, combustion chambers, and other structures that require strong and precise joints to enhance the aircraft’s safety and performance.
Medical Device and Equipment: Due to its capability to fuse workpieces with minimal contamination and defects, fiber laser welding is crucial to the construction of various medical tools like surgical equipment, endoscopies, dental implants, orthopedic devices, and steel prosthetics.
For more information, please visit fiber welder cleaning machine.
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