How to Choose a Handheld Laser Welding Machine?

Choosing the right handheld laser welding machine for your business can be a challenge. With different power capacities, cooling systems, and material compatibility options, it’s crucial to make an informed decision. Let’s explore the factors you need to consider.

When selecting a handheld laser welding machine, prioritize key factors like power capacity, cooling system, and material compatibility. Whether you need a 1500W air-cooled model or a higher power option for heavy-duty tasks, the right choice will make your work easier and more efficient.

To make the right choice, it's important to understand the specifications of different models and how they align with your business needs. Let’s break down the factors to consider when choosing a laser welding machine.

How to choose a laser welding machine?

When it comes to selecting the right laser welding machine, several factors should guide your decision. The machine’s power, cooling system, and material compatibility are key elements that can make or break the success of your welding operations.

Choosing the best laser welding machine involves understanding your material requirements, production volume, and cooling needs. Whether you need a fiber laser for high precision or a more robust machine for heavy-duty welding, there’s a perfect solution out there.

When selecting a laser welding machine, the most significant considerations include the laser power, cooling system, and the material you intend to work with. Let’s break these down further:

1. Power Capacity

The power of a laser welding machine¹ determines the speed and depth of the weld. The higher the power, the more capable the machine is at welding thicker materials. For general-purpose applications, a 1500W machine is sufficient, but for heavy-duty welding or thicker materials, you may need models with power ratings of 2000W or even 3000W. Here's a comparison:

Higher power machines offer increased welding speed and depth, which is crucial for applications like automotive repair or industrial fabrication. However, they come with increased costs, so it’s essential to balance the power requirement with your specific needs.

2. Cooling System for laser welding

Cooling systems are necessary to ensure that the machine remains at optimal temperatures during operation. Air-cooled systems are less expensive and suitable for low-to-medium duty tasks. Water-cooled systems, on the other hand, are better for high-power, continuous operations.

• Air-cooled systems: Lower cost, but may require more frequent maintenance. Best for light-to-medium welding tasks.
• Water-cooled systems: More expensive, but necessary for machines with higher power output or continuous, heavy-duty work.

Choosing the right cooling system² will depend on the expected usage. A water-cooled system is essential for high-power machines used in industries such as automotive repair, where continuous and consistent operation is key.

3. Material Compatibility

Different lasers are suited to different materials. Fiber lasers are ideal for metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, and titanium. On the other hand, CO2 lasers are better suited for non-metallic materials such as plastics and ceramics. It's important to choose a laser welding machine that is compatible with the materials you intend to work with.

By ensuring that the laser machine can handle your material, you’ll minimize issues like poor weld quality or inefficiencies.

How thick steel can a laser welder weld?

When using a laser welder, one of the most important questions is how thick a material it can handle. Understanding the thickness capabilities of your laser welder can help you avoid limitations in your production process.

Laser welders can generally handle steel up to a certain thickness. For most fiber laser welders, a 1500W model can weld steel up to 6mm, while higher power machines, such as 2000W or 3000W, can weld thicker materials up to 12mm or even more.

Laser welders are highly versatile, but their ability to weld thick steel depends heavily on the machine’s power. A 1500W fiber laser welding machine³ can typically weld steel up to 6mm thick with excellent results. If you need to weld thicker materials⁴, a higher power machine—such as a 2000W or 3000W unit—can weld up to 12mm of steel or more. For extremely thick materials, some advanced models with even higher power may be required, especially for industries like heavy manufacturing or automotive repairs.

Power vs. Thickness Chart

It’s important to note that the speed of welding may also decrease as the thickness of the material increases. Laser welders can perform high-precision, clean welds even on thicker materials, but slower speeds may result in longer cycle times. This trade-off is something you should keep in mind if you're planning to work with thick steel regularly.

Also, while power plays a significant role in determining the maximum welding thickness, other factors such as the laser spot size⁵, beam quality, and the type of material also affect the welding outcome. The ability of the laser to penetrate and bond the material cleanly is influenced by all these elements.

What are the downsides of laser welding?

While laser welding has many advantages, it also comes with a few drawbacks. Understanding these potential downsides will help you make an informed decision when choosing the right welding technology for your business.

Laser welding offers high precision, speed, and efficiency, but it may come with some challenges, such as high initial costs, the need for a stable environment, and limited capability on certain materials. Let’s explore these downsides further.

While laser welding offers many benefits, it’s not without its challenges. One of the primary drawbacks is the high initial cost⁶. Fiber laser machines can be expensive, particularly models with higher power. However, this can be offset over time by the reduction in operating costs, increased production speed, and superior weld quality.

Another potential downside is the environmental sensitivity⁷ of laser welding machines. These machines require a stable environment for optimal performance. Factors such as humidity, dust, and temperature fluctuations can affect the machine’s ability to function effectively, leading to inconsistent results. To mitigate this, investing in an air filtration system or controlling the workspace’s climate is essential.

Laser welding also has material limitations⁸. While fiber lasers are excellent for welding metals like stainless steel, aluminum, and titanium, they may not work as well with certain reflective or non-metallic materials. Special coatings or modifications may be needed to weld reflective materials like copper or brass, which can add to the cost.

Summary of Downsides

Which company is good for welding machines?

Choosing a reliable company for your laser welding machine needs is just as important as choosing the right machine. With so many options available, how do you know which one to trust?

When it comes to selecting a welding machine supplier, it’s essential to choose a company with a proven track record of reliability, quality, and customer service. Kirin Laser stands out for its high-quality products, strong technical support, and commitment to customer satisfaction.

Kirin Laser is a trusted name in the laser welding industry⁹. With years of experience and a solid reputation, Kirin Laser offers high-quality welding machines that cater to a wide range of applications. Whether you need a handheld laser welder¹⁰ for small-scale operations or a high-powered machine for large-scale industrial applications, Kirin Laser provides reliable, cost-effective solutions.

What sets Kirin Laser apart is its commitment to customer satisfaction. Not only do they offer a wide range of products, including laser cleaning machines, welding machines, and marking machines, but they also provide excellent after-sales support¹¹ and customization options. Their team of experts is always available to offer advice, troubleshooting, and technical support, ensuring your operations run smoothly.

Additionally, Kirin Laser focuses on providing machines that are easy to use and maintain. With their user-friendly interface and robust design, you can rely on Kirin Laser machines to perform under various conditions, making them a great choice for businesses looking for quality and efficiency.

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the right handheld laser welding machine¹² requires careful consideration of factors such as power capacity, cooling systems, material compatibility, and environmental stability. Kirin Laser provides top-notch laser welding machines that offer great performance, precision, and long-term reliability. By choosing the right machine from a trusted company like Kirin Laser, you can significantly enhance your welding operations and achieve better results.