Laser beam welding fuses metal using a high-temperature laser, with two types of welding equipment available. The technique is popular in the manufacture of airplanes, automobiles, and spacecraft, but has some disadvantages. Laser welders emit a dense beam of photons to rapidly heat and fuse metals, with solid-state and gas laser welders used. The technique works well with steel, aluminum, and titanium, but there are concerns about retinal damage and cracking.
Laser beam welding is a method of fusing two pieces of metal together using a high-temperature laser. This technique uses one of two types of welding equipment: a solid-state welder or a gas laser welder. These machines both create a precise bond by emitting a dense beam of photons that can work with both thin and thick pieces of metal. This type of welding machine is popular in the manufacture of airplanes, automobiles and spacecraft, but has some disadvantages that prevent it from working in all industries.
Laser beam welding works thanks to a dense beam of photons that every type of machine produces. This beam of light rapidly heats the metals so that the two pieces fuse together into a single unit. The light beam is very small and focused, so the metal weld also cools down very quickly. Laser beam welders can emit a continuous beam for working with thicker metals or short pulsing pulses for bonding thinner materials.
Regardless of what material is being worked on, one of two types of welding machines is used for work. A solid-state welder uses a crystal surrounded by a flash tube to create the energy needed in laser beam welding. A gas laser uses nitrogen, carbon dioxide or helium to produce a laser. A gas welder is often preferred over a solid state one because it has a higher energy output.
Laser beam welding works well with metals such as steel, aluminum and titanium. As a result, industries that use these metals typically embrace laser welders. Automotive, aircraft, and aerospace manufacturing plants are known as major users of the laser beam welding technique. In addition to working well with these metals, laser welders are also preferred because they can produce precise welds at the high volume production lines require.
The laser beam welding industry has used lasers for their speed, accuracy and power, but there are also a few reasons why some people don’t use this technology. There is a concern about retinal damage when using laser welding machines, especially solid-state machines. To counteract this, operators are encouraged to wear protective eyewear. Another concern is cracking. Metals, such as high carbon steels, often crack due to the rapid cooling rate of a weld made with a laser.
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