How to Choose the Right Handheld Laser Welder Based on Material Thickness

Choosing the right handheld laser welder is a crucial decision for any business involved in metal fabrication. Material thickness significantly affects the machine's performance and output. Understanding how to match the right welder to different material thicknesses can ensure both optimal results and efficiency. This article will guide you through the key factors to consider when making your choice.

The key to selecting the right handheld laser welder lies in understanding how material thickness influences welding parameters like power output, welding speed, and heat control. Thicker materials require higher laser power and slower welding speeds for proper penetration and strong, consistent welds.

With so many laser welders on the market, how do you know which one to choose? Let’s take a closer look at how material thickness affects your decision and what you should look for in a machine to achieve the best results.

What is the thickness of material for laser welding?

Understanding material thickness is the first step to making an informed decision about which handheld laser welder to choose. Different thicknesses require different approaches to welding, and knowing this will ensure you use the right settings for the job.

Material thickness directly determines the laser power you need. Thicker materials require more power for deeper penetration and stronger bonds, while thinner materials can be welded with lower power and faster speeds.

Material thickness¹ is one of the most important factors in determining the appropriate laser welding machine² and settings. Let’s break this down further:

1. Thin Materials (1mm - 3mm):

   • Thin materials, like sheet metals, require less power since the laser doesn't need to penetrate deeply. A lower power range of around 100-200 watts is often sufficient to create clean welds on these materials.
   • Faster welding speeds are possible, as the laser does not need as much time to melt through the material.
   • The precision of the laser beam ensures minimal heat distortion on the edges, which is important for maintaining the integrity of thin, delicate metals.

2. Medium Thickness (3mm - 6mm):

   • For medium-thickness materials, a welder with 200-500 watts of power is recommended. These materials require more power to ensure that the laser fully penetrates the surface and creates a strong bond.
   • The speed of welding may be slower than for thin materials, but with the right control, the welds will remain clean and precise.
   • Proper beam focusing becomes crucial to avoid excessive heat at the edges, which can lead to warping or other quality issues.

3. Thicker Materials (6mm and above):

   • For materials that are 6mm thick or greater, a laser with 500 watts or more is necessary. Higher power allows for deeper penetration, making it possible to weld thick steel, stainless steel, or other heavy-duty materials.
   • Slow welding speeds and careful control of the welding parameters³ are essential for ensuring the weld is deep and strong.
   • The need for cooling during welding increases, as excessive heat input can distort the material or cause warping.

Material Thickness	Laser Power Needed	Welding Speed	Weld Quality Considerations
1mm - 3mm	100W - 200W	Fast	Clean, minimal distortion
3mm - 6mm	200W - 500W	Moderate	Strong welds, minimal warping
6mm and above	500W+	Slow	Deep, strong, heat control needed

With this in mind, Kirin Laser's handheld welders are equipped with adjustable power settings that allow you to seamlessly transition between different material thicknesses, ensuring high-quality results for all applications.

How to choose a laser welding machine?

Choosing the right laser welding machine involves evaluating several critical parameters that ensure the machine performs optimally for your specific welding needs. These include laser power, welding speed, material compatibility, and the quality of weld you desire.

To choose the right laser welding machine, consider the material thickness, desired weld quality, and the machine's capabilities in terms of power output and welding speed. Higher power allows for deeper penetration and faster welding, while precision is crucial for fine-detail work.

There are several key factors to consider when choosing a laser welding machine:

1. Laser Power⁴:

• High Power: Machines with higher laser power (500 watts and above) are best for thicker materials. They allow for deeper penetration, which is essential for welding steel and other heavy-duty materials.
• Low Power: For thin materials or fine-detail work, machines with lower power (100-200 watts) provide enough energy to produce precise and clean welds without excessive heat.

2. Welding Speed:

• Fast Welding Speed⁵: High-speed welding is essential for mass production, where efficiency is key. Faster welding speeds generally result in lower energy consumption and shorter production times.
• Slow Welding Speed: For thicker materials or when high-quality, strong welds are essential, slower welding speeds are necessary. This gives the laser more time to penetrate and ensure a solid weld.

3. Material Compatibility⁶:

• Metals: Laser welders can be used for various metals, including aluminum, steel, and stainless steel. Be sure to choose a machine that is compatible with the specific metals you're working with.
• Non-metals: Some laser welders can also handle plastics, ceramics, and other non-metals. Ensure that your machine is equipped with the appropriate settings for the materials you plan to use.

4. Weld Quality:

• Aesthetic Quality: If the aesthetic of the weld is important (e.g., jewelry or high-end products), look for machines that offer fine control over the laser beam, allowing for clean, precise, and minimal post-processing.
• Strength: For industrial applications, focus on machines that provide deeper penetration and strong, durable welds. Power output and slower welding speeds are critical in these scenarios.

By selecting a machine that aligns with your specific needs, you can ensure higher efficiency, reduced material waste, and improved product quality. Kirin Laser offers a wide range of handheld laser welders designed for various material thicknesses, helping you achieve the perfect weld every time.

How to choose the right welding machine?

Choosing the right welding machine involves not just matching technical specs but also considering your production needs, material types, and desired weld outcomes. Whether you're welding thin sheets or heavy-duty steel, understanding these requirements will help guide your decision.

To choose the right welding machine, assess factors like laser power, speed, ease of use, and material compatibility. Higher-powered machines are ideal for industrial tasks, while lower-powered ones suit delicate or high-precision work.

Selecting the best welding machine is about balancing various factors to suit your specific requirements. Here’s a deeper dive into the most important considerations:

1. Material Type:

   • Different materials, such as aluminum, stainless steel, copper, and titanium, require different types of lasers due to variations in their thermal conductivity and reflectivity. For example, aluminum reflects laser energy more than steel, meaning you’ll need a more powerful machine to achieve the same results.

2. Production Speed⁷:

   • If your work requires high-volume production, you’ll need a welding machine that can handle faster speeds. While high-speed machines are ideal for mass production, they often sacrifice some control over weld quality. It’s important to find a balance between speed and quality for your specific application.

3. Ease of Use⁸:

   • For operators, ease of use is essential. Some welding machines come with automated settings, which reduce the chances of error and simplify the welding process. Look for machines with intuitive controls and clear displays.

4. Precision and Control⁹:

   • If your focus is on detailed work, such as jewelry or electronics, you need a welder that offers precision control over the laser’s focus and power output. Some machines offer fine-tuning controls that allow you to adjust the laser to the exact specifications needed for your work.

By carefully considering your specific needs, you’ll be able to select the right machine for the job. Kirin Laser’s range of handheld laser welders is designed with a user-friendly interface and precise control, making them ideal for a variety of welding tasks.

What are the parameters for laser welding?

Laser welding involves several technical parameters that influence the weld’s strength, appearance, and overall quality. Let’s take a look at these parameters and how adjusting them can help you achieve the best weld for any material thickness.

Key parameters for laser welding include laser power, welding speed, pulse duration, beam focus, and material thickness. Each of these plays a crucial role in determining the quality and durability of the weld.

Laser welding involves controlling several parameters that directly impact the weld's outcome. Here’s a breakdown of the main parameters and how they influence the process:

1. Laser Power:

• Impact: Laser power determines the heat generated during the welding process. More power is required for thicker materials, while less power is sufficient for thinner materials. Higher power allows for deeper penetration and stronger welds.
• Adjustment: Increasing the power can result in deeper welds, but it can also increase the risk of warping or distortion. Lowering the power reduces heat input but may result in incomplete penetration on thicker materials.

2. Welding Speed:

• Impact: Faster welding speeds reduce the amount of heat input and can prevent material deformation. However, too fast of a speed might lead to weak welds. Slower speeds are often required for thicker materials to ensure proper penetration.
• Adjustment: Slower speeds allow for stronger welds but require more time. It's essential to find the right speed to balance quality and efficiency.

3. Pulse Duration:

• Impact: Pulse duration controls the time the laser beam is applied to the material. A longer pulse duration allows for a deeper weld but can also cause overheating.
• Adjustment: Shorter pulses are ideal for fine-detail welding, while longer pulses are used for thicker materials to ensure deep penetration.

4. Beam Focus:

• Impact: Beam focus determines the size of the laser spot and the depth of the weld. A tightly focused beam provides deep penetration, while a defocused beam creates a broader, shallower weld.
• Adjustment: Adjusting the focus based on material thickness ensures precise and controlled welds.

5. Material Thickness:

• Impact: Thicker materials require higher power, slower speeds, and longer pulses to achieve strong welds. Thin materials, on the other hand, require lower power and faster speeds.

Parameter	Thin Material (1-3mm)	Medium Thickness (3-6mm)	Thick Material (6mm+)
Laser Power10	100W - 200W	200W - 500W	500W+
Welding Speed11	Fast	Moderate	Slow
Pulse Duration12	Short	Moderate	Long
Beam Focus	Tight	Balanced	Defocused

Kirin Laser's handheld welders are equipped with adjustable settings for these parameters, allowing you to customize your welding process based on material thickness and desired outcomes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the right handheld laser welder¹³ is essential for achieving the desired welding results based on material thickness. Understanding the key parameters—such as laser power, welding speed, and beam focus—will ensure that you choose the right machine for the job. At Kirin Laser, we provide versatile, high-quality welders that can handle various materials and thicknesses, ensuring precision, efficiency, and top-quality welds every time.