What are the main types of laser welding machines?

Laser welding is rapidly replacing traditional methods like TIG and MIG, but with so many types out there, how do you know which one fits your application best?

The main types of laser welding machines include continuous-wave (CW), pulsed, fiber, CO₂, Nd:YAG, and diode-based systems. Each type serves a specific purpose, from deep penetration to ultra-precise spot welding.

When I work with clients at Kirin Laser, the first question they usually ask is: What kind of laser welder do I really need? The answer always depends on the material, the joint type, the production speed, and the finish they’re looking for. Whether they’re replacing TIG systems or integrating lasers for the first time, it’s my job to make that decision easier.

What are the different types of laser welding?

Many clients feel overwhelmed when they see so many options—fiber, CO₂, Nd:YAG, diode, pulsed, CW. They worry about choosing the wrong one and ending up with poor welds or high maintenance costs.

The most common types of laser welding are fiber laser welding, CO₂ laser welding, Nd:YAG laser welding, and diode laser welding. Each offers different benefits in terms of speed, material compatibility, and application focus.

Understanding the 4 Major Types

1. Fiber Laser Welding

Fiber lasers¹ are the go-to solution for metal welding, especially stainless steel, carbon steel, and aluminum. They use an optical fiber to deliver high-energy light with minimal power loss. These machines are compact, reliable, and efficient.

Feature	Fiber Laser
Wavelength	~1060 nm
Efficiency	High
Maintenance	Low
Application	Metals (SS, CS, Al)
Typical Mode	Continuous Wave

2. CO₂ Laser Welding

CO₂ lasers² operate at a wavelength of 10.6 μm, making them ideal for non-metallic materials or metals with oxide coatings. They’re mostly used for welding plastics or thin metals, although their large footprint and sensitivity to reflective metals limit their use.

Feature	CO₂ Laser
Wavelength	10.6 µm
Efficiency	Medium
Maintenance	Higher (optical path)
Application	Plastics, thin metals
Typical Mode	Pulsed or CW

3. Nd:YAG Laser Welding

Nd:YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet) lasers³ offer excellent beam quality and high peak power. These are ideal for micro-welding or complex geometries, especially in aerospace, medical devices, and electronics.

Feature	Nd:YAG Laser
Wavelength	1064 nm
Pulse Energy	High
Application	Precision welding
Cooling	Required
Mode	Pulsed (mainly)

4. Diode Laser Welding

Diode lasers are compact and energy-efficient. They are commonly used in plastic welding and low-penetration metal applications. They’re also great for integration into robotic arms or small-scale automation lines.

Feature	Diode Laser
Wavelength	Varies (808–980 nm)
Efficiency	Very High
Application	Plastics, low-temp metal
Typical Mode	CW

From our experience at Kirin Laser, fiber laser welding is the most popular and cost-effective option for industrial metal applications. We’ve helped dozens of clients switch from traditional welding to fiber laser systems and reduce their operating costs and error rates drastically.

What are the 7 types of welding machines?

People often confuse the wide range of welding machines out there. While laser welding is gaining ground, traditional machines still play a big role in many industries.

The seven major types of welding machines include Stick (SMAW), MIG (GMAW), TIG (GTAW), Flux-Cored Arc (FCAW), Submerged Arc (SAW), Plasma Arc (PAW), and Laser Welding Machines. Each has specific strengths based on the application.

A Side-by-Side Comparison

Let’s break down the common types of welding machines used in industry:

Welding Type	Main Feature	Suitable For
Stick (SMAW)	Versatile, portable	Construction, repair
MIG (GMAW)	Fast, easy to learn	Automotive, fabrication
TIG (GTAW)	High precision	Aerospace, medical devices
Flux-Cored (FCAW)	Outdoor friendly	Structural, heavy-duty
Submerged Arc (SAW)	Deep penetration	Thick steel plates
Plasma Arc (PAW)	Focused energy	Precision metal work
Laser Welding4	High-speed, low heat input	Electronics, clean welding

At Kirin Laser, we often work with clients who start with MIG or TIG and later upgrade to laser. One U.S. distributor came to us with a challenge: his TIG units couldn’t handle the production demand and required constant rework. We introduced him to our handheld fiber laser welders⁵. The switch cut his rework rate by 60%, and he saw ROI in under six months.

Is laser welding TIG or MIG?

Customers who are new to laser technology often ask this. They want to know whether laser welding is just a different form of TIG or MIG. It’s a fair question, especially when comparing speed, quality, and usability.

Laser welding is a separate process from TIG and MIG. It uses a highly focused light beam instead of an electrical arc to melt and fuse materials. While it shares some features with TIG and MIG, it stands apart in terms of speed, precision, and cleanliness.

The Core Differences

Energy Source

TIG and MIG use electrical arcs to generate heat. Laser welding uses a focused light beam, often delivered by fiber optics.

Material Compatibility

Laser welding is excellent for reflective and conductive materials, where TIG and MIG may struggle.

Weld Quality

Laser welding⁶ produces narrow, clean welds with low distortion. TIG offers precision but is slower. MIG is fast but not as clean.

Feature	Laser Welding	TIG	MIG
Speed	Very High	Low	Medium
Precision	Very High	High	Medium
Filler Requirement	Optional	Yes	Yes
Learning Curve	Moderate	High	Low
Distortion	Minimal	Medium	High

I’ve trained many operators moving from TIG⁷ to laser. Most are surprised at how intuitive it is. With laser systems, especially our handheld models, users can get production-ready in days—not weeks.

What are the modes of laser welding?

Laser systems aren't one-size-fits-all. Their modes of operation vary, and each mode affects weld quality, speed, and thermal input. Choosing the right mode is key to success.

Laser welding typically operates in two modes: continuous-wave (CW) and pulsed. CW delivers a constant laser beam ideal for deep, fast welds. Pulsed mode delivers short bursts, perfect for precision welding of small or delicate parts.

When to Use CW vs Pulsed

Continuous-Wave (CW)

CW mode⁸ keeps the beam on during the entire welding process. This mode is best for:

• Thick metals
• Long seams
• High-speed welding

At Kirin Laser, our CW fiber systems are used in structural steel and large enclosures. They handle long joints and deliver deep penetration with minimal passes.

Pulsed Mode

Pulsed lasers[^9Laser welding machines] emit short bursts of energy. This allows better control over heat input, ideal for:

• Thin sheets
• Delicate electronics
• Spot welding

Pulsed Nd:YAG systems, for instance, are popular for battery tab welding and electronic enclosures. One client used our pulsed system to weld watch cases without warping or discoloration—a task TIG could never handle.

Mode	Use Case Examples	Heat Input	Speed	Cost
CW	Metal enclosures, frames	Higher	Very Fast	Medium
Pulsed	Jewelry, electronics	Low	Slower	Higher (per unit)

Picking between these two modes isn’t just technical—it’s strategic. I always ask clients about their priorities: throughput or precision? Once that’s clear, the mode usually picks itself.

Conclusion

Laser welding machines⁹ come in various types, each with unique strengths. Fiber lasers dominate metal applications. CO₂ and diode lasers serve niche needs. When comparing against TIG or MIG, lasers win in precision, speed, and versatility. And choosing between CW and pulsed modes depends on your material and production goals. At Kirin Laser, I’ve seen how the right system can change everything—from cutting rework to boosting production. For anyone thinking of upgrading, now’s the time to make that move.