How can laser welding be done?

Laser welding is changing how we join metal. Many factories still rely on old welding methods that take time, need skill, and often waste materials. But what if you could make stronger, faster welds with less heat and more precision?

Laser welding uses a focused beam to join metal parts together quickly and with high precision. It can be done by hand or through automated systems, depending on your needs.

For years, I’ve worked with companies stuck in slow production cycles. When they upgraded to laser welding, especially handheld models, the results spoke for themselves—faster output, lower costs, and better weld quality. Let’s explore how laser welding really works, and why it’s becoming the new standard.

Can laser welding be done by hand?

Many buyers ask me if laser welding still needs a big setup or if it can be done manually. This is an important question, especially for companies with tight production spaces or custom work.

Yes, laser welding can be done by hand. Handheld laser welding machines are compact, easy to use, and ideal for flexible, on-the-spot welding jobs.

Why handheld matters

At Kirin Laser, our handheld welding machines are among our best sellers. I remember one client from the auto parts industry. Their team had issues welding thin stainless steel components. Traditional arc welding created too much heat and caused distortion. Once they switched to our handheld laser welder¹, the difference was immediate.

• Heat was focused
• Welds were consistent
• No more warping

How handheld laser welding works

Feature	Handheld Laser Welding	Traditional Welding
Heat Affected Zone2	Very Small	Large
Skill Requirement	Low to Medium	Medium to High
Portability	High	Low
Speed	Fast	Moderate
Safety	Needs shielding, but cleaner process	More smoke and spatter

This kind of flexibility is critical for small shops and repair jobs. You don’t need to build a full welding station. You can pick up the handheld gun and get to work.

What are the different types of laser welding?

Not all laser welding is the same. Each type has its own strengths. Choosing the right one depends on what you’re welding, your volume, and your desired finish.

The main types of laser welding include keyhole welding, conduction welding, hybrid welding, and handheld laser welding. Each offers different levels of depth, speed, and precision.

Let’s break them down

At Kirin Laser, we manufacture both high-power and compact laser welders. When a distributor or procurement manager contacts us, we help them choose based on use cases. Here’s how we explain it:

Keyhole Welding³

This method uses high energy to create deep, narrow welds. It forms a “keyhole” in the material.

• Best for thick metal
• Very precise
• Needs automation for consistency

Conduction Welding⁴

This type uses lower power. The laser melts the surface, and the welds are shallow.

• Great for thin sheets or sensitive parts
• Common in electronics

Hybrid Laser Welding

This mixes laser and arc welding. It uses the best of both methods—deep welds from the laser and filler from the arc.

• High strength joints
• Good for structural parts

Handheld Laser Welding⁵

Flexible, fast, and easy to train. It’s popular in furniture, kitchenware, and field repairs.

• Very low distortion
• No need for filler wire in many cases

Type	Use Case	Pros	Cons
Keyhole	Thick materials, automation	Deep welds, very precise	Needs steady setup
Conduction	Thin sheets, electronics	Gentle, no burn-through	Not deep enough for thick parts
Hybrid	Large structures, high load	Strong joints	Complex setup
Handheld	Field jobs, light frames	Fast, portable, minimal setup	Manual variation possible

Most of our clients start with handheld machines, then scale up to automated laser welders as their volume grows.

Do you need gas for laser welding?

Some buyers assume laser welding doesn’t need gas because it’s not like TIG or MIG. But shielding still matters. Let's clear the air.

Yes, you do need shielding gas for laser welding. It protects the weld from contamination and improves quality.

Why shielding gas is essential

Laser welding involves high temperatures. Without gas, the molten pool gets exposed to air and creates porosity or oxidation. This weakens the joint and ruins the surface.

We always recommend gas with our laser machines. Here’s what to consider:

Common gases used

• Argon: Most popular. Inert and clean.
• Nitrogen: Cheaper, but can react with some metals.
• Helium: Rare, expensive, but works on sensitive alloys.

How gas improves welding

Effect	With Shielding Gas	Without Shielding Gas
Weld Strength	High	Low
Surface Finish	Smooth	Oxidized, dirty
Spatter	Minimal	More
Safety	Cleaner process	Fumes and splatter

One of our food processing equipment clients switched from no-gas to argon⁶-assisted laser welding. They told us it made their stainless steel welds cleaner and stronger. Their product inspection rates improved immediately.

So yes, gas matters. Even in laser welding.

Is laser welding stronger than MIG?

This question comes up a lot—especially from customers who already use MIG machines. MIG welding is a solid process, but laser welding offers more when it comes to certain materials and precision.

Laser welding can be stronger than MIG, especially for precision parts, thin metals, and applications that demand low distortion.

What makes laser welding stronger

We’re not saying MIG is bad. It’s great for thick parts and filler-heavy joints. But laser welds⁷ are tighter and more focused. The energy goes straight into the seam.

Key differences

Feature	Laser Welding	MIG Welding
Heat Input	Low	High
Precision	Very High	Moderate
Weld Appearance	Clean, minimal finish needed	More post-processing
Automation	Easy to automate	Can be automated, but bulky
Distortion Risk	Low	High with thin materials

I worked with a metal frame manufacturer in Texas. They were welding bicycle parts⁸ with MIG, but kept seeing burn-through and uneven joints. We tested our Kirin handheld laser welder with them for two weeks. The results?

• No burn-through
• 30% faster welds
• Surface polish reduced by half

Their team switched over completely within two months.

Conclusion

Laser welding⁹ is flexible, fast, and clean. Whether done by hand or machine, it gives better control and stronger results—especially for thin or delicate parts. At Kirin Laser, we help clients like John Smith get the exact welding setup they need. With options from handheld units to automated systems, laser welding fits both small shops and large factories. If you’re still using MIG or TIG and wondering about next steps, laser might be your answer.