How to Choose Handheld Fiber Laser Welding Machine?

Stuck choosing a handheld fiber laser welding machine? The wrong choice can waste time, money, and performance—especially if you’re scaling production or handling tricky materials.

The best handheld fiber laser welding machine combines speed, precision, and ease of use—but what really matters is how it fits your workflow and budget.

Trying to compare models or understand if laser welding is right for your shop? Let’s walk through it—based on real experience from the team at Kirin Laser.

Are handheld laser welders any good?

When you first hear “handheld” and “laser welding” in the same sentence, it sounds like marketing hype. But that’s exactly what we thought—until we saw it in action.

Yes, handheld fiber laser welders are excellent—fast, accurate, and versatile. They outperform traditional TIG and MIG welding in many industrial applications, especially for stainless steel and aluminum.

Why they outperform traditional welding methods

I’ve personally seen how a good handheld laser welding machine¹ can boost throughput and eliminate post-welding headaches. One of our auto parts clients struggled with heat distortion and labor-intensive grinding. After switching to our Kirin handheld model, he said it felt “like turning a MIG welder² into a magic wand.”

Here’s why it works:

Feature	MIG/TIG Welding	Handheld Fiber Laser Welding
Welding Speed	Medium	Fast (2–5x faster)
Heat Affected Zone	Large (leads to distortion)	Minimal, precise welds
Materials	Mostly steel, aluminum	Steel, aluminum, brass, copper
Skill Requirement	Moderate	Lower with training
Portability	Limited	High (compact and mobile)
Post-Weld Finishing	Often required	Often unnecessary

The biggest edge? You can weld curves, edges, and thin sheets without the burn-through or rework common in conventional welds.

What is a handheld laser welding machine?

Still confused about what makes a “handheld” laser welder different? You’re not alone. Let’s break it down simply.

A handheld laser welding machine is a compact, mobile laser tool designed for manual, precise welding of metals. It uses a high-energy fiber laser beam to melt and join materials with minimal distortion.

What’s inside the box?

At Kirin Laser, our handheld welding units combine four major systems:

• Fiber laser source³ (1200W to 3000W): This is the engine that generates the beam.
• Handheld welding gun⁴: Ergonomically designed, with safety sensors and multiple nozzles.
• Control and cooling system⁵: Smart interface with adjustable settings for power, speed, and pulse width.
• Wire feeder (optional): For thicker welds and automatic filler feeding.

They’re easy to set up—just plug into 220V power, connect argon gas, and start welding.

Here’s a basic overview of the Kirin Laser handheld series:

Model	Power	Typical Application
Kirin-1200	1200W	Thin stainless sheets, signage, kitchenware
Kirin-1500	1500W	Auto parts, tools, structural steel
Kirin-2000	2000W	Heavy-duty fabrication, industrial parts
Kirin-3000	3000W	Thick plate welding, high-speed production

Handheld doesn’t mean low power. These machines can handle serious industrial work, especially for small- to medium-scale manufacturers.

What is the price of a laser welding machine?

Most buyers hesitate right here. Price is the first question—and rightfully so. Laser machines aren’t cheap, but they’re an investment with fast ROI.

The price of a handheld fiber laser welding machine ranges from around $1860 to $6200, depending on power level and configuration.

Kirin Laser pricing breakdown

Here’s our standard price range for each power level. These are factory-direct, and OEM pricing is available:

Power Level	Price Range (USD)	Recommended For
1200W	$1860 – $2745	Light-duty industrial welding
1500W	$2285 – $2935	Balanced performance and cost
2000W	$2715 – $4720	Versatile for heavier metal jobs
3000W	$4145 – $6200	High-speed, thick material welding

We often advise customers not to just go for the highest wattage. Match the power to your material and workflow. If you're working with 1–3 mm stainless⁶, 1500W⁷ is often perfect.

Also, factor in:

• Shipping & duties (especially to the US or Europe)
• Training & setup costs
• Maintenance and replacement optics

But here’s the truth: if your team is currently using MIG/TIG⁸, a laser upgrade often pays itself off in 3–6 months due to saved time and higher quality.

Can laser welding be done by hand?

This is the big question we hear from traditional welders—and it’s totally valid. Can something as powerful as a laser actually be controlled by hand?

Yes, laser welding can be done by hand—safely and effectively—using specialized handheld welding heads designed for ergonomic use and precise control.

What about safety, training, and ease of use?

At Kirin Laser, safety is baked into the design. Our handheld welding guns have:

• Interlock sensors: Disable the beam if misaligned
• Touch detection: Only fire when contact is made
• Argon shielding: Prevent oxidation and burns
• Smart GUI: Easy parameter presets

Welding by hand with a laser isn’t like swinging a torch. There’s no flame, no smoke, and far less heat. You “paint” the seam with light.

Our clients typically take 3 to 5 days of training to get proficient. We provide setup videos, remote onboarding, and offer on-site training for larger distributors.

Here’s how manual laser welding compares to other techniques:

Parameter	MIG/TIG	Handheld Laser Welding
Ease of Learning	Moderate to difficult	Easy to moderate (with training)9
Heat Output	High	Low (minimal distortion)
Welding Speed	Moderate	Fast (up to 4x faster)
Precision	Medium	High (mm-level)
Portability	Limited	High (compact & mobile)10

Conclusion

Choosing the right handheld fiber laser welding machine¹¹ depends on your goals, material type, and team. From Kirin’s experience working with manufacturers, auto suppliers, and metal shops, we’ve seen how these tools dramatically improve speed and weld quality. Yes, the investment is real—but the ROI is even better.

Whether you're upgrading from MIG, scaling your workshop, or building your OEM product line, a handheld fiber laser welder can be a game-changer. Just make sure you choose the right power, get the right support, and work with a trusted supplier.

Need help picking the right model? Just ask—we’re here to guide you.