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Laser Welding

Laser welding is a widely used joining technique used to join materials together by using a laser as a heat source. The laser is focussed onto the substrate material creating a concentrated heat source in order to melt and fuse material together.

cogsHow does it work?

Lasers with power densities in the order of 103-106 W/mm2 produce a keyholing action. A 'keyhole' is produced when laser welding metal, a column of ionised metal vapour forms below the beam impingement point, absorbing the incoming laser energy. This can be used to make narrow, deep welds and cuts with very little heat input or alternatively, it can be used for very fast processing of thin sheets. This 'keyhole' welding process is more efficient than a process where the weld shape is governed by thermal conduction.

Laser Welding has a number of advantages over conventional welding, including:

Deep narrow welds

Low heat input

Minimal distortion

High joint completion rates

Joint design flexibility

Minimal use of consumables

Ease of automation

Aesthetically pleasing welds


Applications:

Laser welding is a versatile process and can be used to weld a variety of materials including, carbon steel, stainless steel, titanium, aluminium, nickel alloys and plastics. Lasers are often used in high volume production applications as they have high welding speeds and the level of automation that allows 24 hours a day operation.

Sample handling requirements:

Materials to be joined, appropriate substrate bonding material.

Complementary techniques:

Conventional Gas Torch Welding, Resistance Spot Welding, Self Pierce Riveting

Warwick expertise:

4kW IPG Fibre Laser, Comau Smart Laser Robot

Contact:

Dr Ian Hancox, 024 76 150 577 email i dot hancox at warwick dot ac dot uk

Laser Welder

Typical results format, and sample:

Laser Welder

Laser Welded Plastic

Status
Availability
Green Tick Warwick collect/analyse data
  Warwick collect data
  Available to user with expertise/contribution
  Spare capacity for collaborative research
  Not currently available