How is laser welding different from TIG or MIG welding?

Welding has never been a one-size-fits-all process. But if you’ve been stuck in the loop of TIG or MIG welding, you’re probably asking: is there something better? Faster? Cleaner?

Laser welding is faster, cleaner, and more precise than TIG or MIG welding, with less post-processing, minimal distortion, and significantly higher productivity—especially with handheld fiber laser machines.

While MIG and TIG have ruled workshops for decades, laser welding—especially handheld fiber types—is changing the game for industries that care about speed, finish, and reliability. In this article, I’ll share what makes laser welding stand out, how it compares to TIG and MIG, and what that means for your workflow and output.

Is laser welding better than TIG welding?

TIG welding is known for its precision and control, but that comes at a cost—mainly speed, heat input, and complexity. That’s exactly what we wanted to fix.

Laser welding outperforms TIG in speed, ease of use, and seam quality. It delivers clean, strong welds with less heat, no filler wire in many cases, and almost no spatter or distortion.

Speed vs Precision: Why Laser Wins on Both

At Kirin Laser, we manufacture and OEM fiber laser welding machines¹ that are purpose-built for speed and precision. When I first started experimenting with handheld fiber lasers², I was shocked. Welds that used to take 10 minutes with TIG were done in under 2 minutes. The machine created clean seams that didn’t need any post-polishing. It cut through stainless steel, aluminum, and even galvanized sheet with no fuss. And it didn’t require a high-skill operator to do it well.

TIG still has its place—for example, in high-purity pipe welding—but for sheet metal, thin-walled tubing, or auto parts, I always recommend laser. It reduces rework dramatically and simplifies training for operators.

Is laser welding stronger than MIG welding?

A lot of clients ask this. MIG is widely used because it’s fast and fills large gaps well. But it’s messy, and when done wrong, weak. That’s where laser welding steps in.

Laser welding creates stronger, more precise seams than MIG in most metal joining cases, especially with thin materials. Its depth-to-width ratio is superior, with minimal porosity and no spatter.

Case Study: How One Client Cut Rework by 70%

One of our clients in the automotive parts industry had ongoing issues with MIG—too much spatter, warping on thin materials, and excessive grinding. We introduced him to our handheld fiber laser welder⁴. Within days, he called it “the quiet revolution in my shop.”

Here’s what changed:

He didn’t need to grind welds anymore. The production line sped up. Weld failures dropped. And customers started noticing the better quality.

Laser welding isn’t just “good enough.” In many use cases, especially with stainless steel, aluminum, or galvanized materials, it’s stronger, faster, and just plain better than MIG.

What is the difference between welding and laser welding?

This question comes up a lot from newcomers. Let’s get this straight: welding is a general term. MIG, TIG, stick, and laser are all types of welding. But laser welding breaks the mold.

Laser welding is a high-precision, high-speed fusion process using concentrated laser energy, different from traditional arc welding which relies on electrical arcs and filler wire.

Understanding the Core Differences

In traditional welding⁶, like MIG or TIG, the process uses electrical arcs to melt metal at the joint. Filler material is often used to bridge gaps. These methods are tried and true but introduce more heat, distortion, and inconsistency—especially when scaled.

Laser welding, on the other hand, uses a focused laser beam to melt and fuse metal. At Kirin Laser, we integrate high-stability fiber lasers⁷ with intelligent control systems that make the process intuitive.

Laser welding⁸ simplifies many complex welds. With real-time parameter control and adjustable beam profiles, you can dial in perfect welds without heavy experience.

Do you need gas for laser welding?

Yes, but not in the same way as TIG or MIG. This confuses a lot of buyers when they’re switching over.

Laser welding does require shielding gas—usually argon or nitrogen—but it uses much less than traditional welding, and gas is only used to protect the molten pool, not to sustain an arc.

Shielding Without Complexity

At Kirin Laser, our fiber laser welders⁹ include adjustable gas nozzles and controls. We typically recommend using argon or nitrogen¹⁰ depending on the material. Argon gives the cleanest finish, while nitrogen can help with cost savings and improved strength on stainless steel.

Here’s what most people misunderstand: gas in MIG and TIG¹¹ is critical to arc stability. In laser welding, you don’t have an arc. The gas simply protects the weld area from oxidation and helps maintain clean, strong seams.

The gas system in our machines is designed to be efficient. You can set it up once and run for hours without adjustment. That simplicity saves both time and money on the shop floor.

Conclusion

Laser welding¹² is not just another method—it’s a whole new way of thinking about metal joining. Compared to TIG and MIG, it’s faster, cleaner, and stronger in most light to medium industrial use cases. From auto parts to sheet metal fabrication, handheld fiber laser welders—like the ones we develop at Kirin Laser—deliver real-world impact: higher output, better quality, and easier operation. If you're dealing with warping, rework, or spatter, it’s time to rethink your welding game. Laser might just be your next big leap.