Laser welding uses an intense energy beam as its heat source. Different types of lasers can be used, depending on the material and application.
Altair Technologies routinely uses its laser welder to perform special welds in the construction of its electron guns as well as the assembly of relatively delicate components for its customers. Unlike TIG welding, laser welding results in low heat generation with little or no distortion or resulting stress. Filler material is rarely used and therefore laser welds are less bulky and more precise than other types of welds. In some cases, laser brazing is employed, where a minute amount of filler metal or braze alloy maybe placed between adjoining components to improve weld compatibility or weldability. Any weld compatible metals can be laser welded and we commonly laser welded parts are made from Titanium, Nickel, Stainless Steel, Platinum, Kovar and Moly. Laser welding is performed in an inert gas atmosphere using either Argon or Helium and can provide spot, stitch and continuous hermetic (vacuum tight) welds in both pulsed and continuous operation modes Laser welding is accomplished at very high speeds Laser welds are also very repeatable because they eliminate any possible element of human error. No physical materials, such as electrodes or contacts, are needed to apply heat to the part. With their well defined beams, lasers are excellent tools for welding thin materials, hermetic welds or welding in close proximity to heat-sensitive components. Even hard to reach areas can be laser welded if a line-of-sight exists. Contact the sales team to learn more about laser welding.
LASER ADVANTAGES
Very high precision welding or cutting
Close tolerance (± .001 inch)
Excellent repeatability
Unit cost reductions
Material versatility
Contact-free, very localized energy means low thermal and mechanical strain on parts
Cleaner than electric arc or gas welding
No consumables, unless filler material is used for welding
Low heat input/minimal heat affect
Fine grain structure/excellent weld quality
High energy density/high weld speeds
No filler material
Line of sight access for hard to reach areas Clean processing to eliminate debris (shavings, dust, etc.)
Flexibility – fast setups achieved with computer controls
Little or no burring can make secondary finishing unnecessary
90% less heat input results in welds with minimal distortion
Minimal distortion in heat affected zones
No tooling to wear out or change over
Non-contact processing eliminates unwanted stress on materials