The demand for laser welding machines is booming—but how do you choose the right manufacturer in a crowded market?
Leading manufacturers like TRUMPF and IPG dominate the global scene, but niche OEMs like Kirin Laser offer unmatched customization, service, and value for distributors.
Laser welding is a high-stakes investment. For buyers and resellers, the stakes are even higher. I’ve worked with dozens of distributors who were frustrated with inconsistent quality, long lead times, or lack of technical support. That’s why understanding who builds your machine—and how—is the first step to making the right investment.

Who makes laser welders?
Laser welders come from a global network of manufacturers, ranging from German industry giants to agile Chinese OEMs.
The top producers of laser welders include TRUMPF, Han’s Laser, Amada Weld Tech, IPG Photonics, HGTECH, and Kirin Laser—each with its own strengths across industries like automotive, medical, and electronics.
Many customers ask me: what’s the difference between a $120,000 German machine and a $15,000 Chinese model? It’s not just the price—it’s about your application, the materials you're welding, and the level of support you need. For some of our clients, the higher cost of a Western brand is justified by robust automation integration. But for others, especially those in rebranding or distribution, a high-quality OEM like Kirin Laser offers far more flexibility and value.
Comparing Leading Laser Welder Brands
| Brand | Country | Strengths | Industries Served | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TRUMPF | Germany | Precision, automation, support | Automotive, aerospace | $$$$ |
| Han’s Laser | China | Mass production, cost-effective models | Consumer electronics, batteries | $$ |
| IPG Photonics | USA | Fiber laser technology | Medical, aerospace, battery | $$$ |
| Amada Weld Tech | Japan | Micro-welding, customization | Medical, electronics | $$$ |
| HGTECH | China | Government contracts, R&D investment | Automotive, defense | $$ |
| Kirin Laser | China | OEM/customizable, responsive service | All sectors (esp. rebranding) | $ - $$ |
At Kirin Laser, we often serve clients who were frustrated with inflexible features or sky-high prices. Our edge lies in customizable design1—whether it’s the gun style, optics, power level, or even casing for white-label branding2. We’ve helped clients build full product lines under their own brand names with no compromise on quality.

Who is the largest manufacturer of welding equipment?
The global welding equipment market is dominated by legacy giants with decades of manufacturing history.
Lincoln Electric and TRUMPF are among the largest welding equipment manufacturers, with TRUMPF leading in the laser welding segment thanks to its innovation in fiber laser systems.
When we zoom into the laser welding niche, TRUMPF stands tall in both volume and technological edge. Their fiber laser3s are widely used in automotive and precision industries. But size isn’t everything. While TRUMPF’s scale supports complex automation, it can be overkill for mid-size distributors or production lines seeking faster delivery, responsive customization, and lower MOQs.
That’s where Kirin Laser steps in. As a lean OEM supplier, we support distributors with customizable machines4 that can be branded, modified, and scaled based on local market needs. For example, one of our U.S. clients had a unique need: a dual-output handheld and robotic system. No off-the-shelf solution fit. We built and tested a prototype in 21 days. They’ve since ordered 60 units for North America.
What Does “Largest” Really Mean?
| Metric | TRUMPF | Lincoln Electric | Kirin Laser |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | $5B+ | $3B+ | <$50M |
| Units shipped/year | High | High | Mid-sized |
| Customization | Medium | Low | High |
| Distributor support | Medium | Medium | High |
| Branding flexibility | Low | None | Full white-label |
So while TRUMPF may lead by revenue, many mid-size distributors prefer a nimble partner who can ship fast, customize, and offer one-on-one engineering support.

What is the top 1 brand welding machine?
Depending on the industry and welding type, the “top” brand varies—but fiber laser welding has its clear frontrunners.
TRUMPF is often considered the top brand in laser welding machines globally, especially in precision and high-volume applications. But OEMs like Kirin Laser offer unmatched value for distributors seeking customizable, reliable systems.
Let me be real. I’ve worked with clients who swore by TRUMPF—until they faced shipping delays5, post-sale rigidity, or high service fees. On the other hand, a U.S. client who initially hesitated to switch later admitted that our Kirin Laser machine performed 95% as well as their previous $100K setup, but at 30% of the cost. And better still, we offered real-time support, full branding, and training materials to empower their customers.
What Makes a Brand “Top”?
| Criteria | TRUMPF | Kirin Laser |
|---|---|---|
| Precision welding | ✅ | ✅ |
| Automation-ready | ✅ | Customizable |
| Support team size | Large | Focused |
| Brand equity | Global legacy | OEM + Distributor |
| Value for wholesalers | Medium | High |
| Branding options | None | Full OEM/ODM |
The truth is, “top” depends on your needs. If you’re a distributor, wholesaler, or integrator looking to build your brand and grow margins, a company like Kirin Laser6 is the smarter play.
%[top brand welding machine](https://kirinlaser.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/handheld-fiber-laser-welding-machine-in-welding-aluminum.png"TRUMPF vs OEM laser welders")
What are the top 3 industries for welding?
Laser welding is not confined to heavy-duty manufacturing—it’s powering precision work across multiple industries.
The top three industries using laser welding today are automotive, medical devices, and battery manufacturing—each relying on precision, consistency, and speed.
At Kirin Laser, we work with clients in all three sectors. For example, in the medical device field, weld quality and repeatability are crucial. We supply compact fiber laser systems for surgical tool manufacturers in Europe who require micron-level control7. For EV battery suppliers, we’ve delivered robotic welding heads with specialized optics to ensure internal welds meet strict safety specs.
Industry Breakdown and Needs
| Industry | Application Areas | Welding Challenges | Kirin’s Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive | Body-in-white, battery packs, exhaust | Speed, automation, heat distortion | High-power fiber welders with seam tracking |
| Medical Devices | Catheters, implants, surgical tools | Micron precision, hygiene, documentation | Ultra-fine pulse welders, IQ/OQ support |
| Battery Mfg | EV batteries, contacts, busbars | Conductivity, spatter, repeatability | Custom optics, multi-axis automation |
One time, a battery manufacturer in South Korea needed a laser welding head with low-spatter performance8 for copper tabs. Most suppliers failed during testing. We prototyped a custom setup with integrated fume extraction and passed their validation on the first run. That order scaled to 200+ units and a 3-year supply agreement.

Conclusion
Laser welding9 is a precision game. Choosing the right manufacturer is not just about the logo—it’s about getting the right machine, support, and business flexibility. While global names like TRUMPF or IPG are leaders in innovation, companies like Kirin Laser fill a critical role: offering OEM-grade machines with high customization, fast lead times, and the kind of support that helps our clients scale their own brands. Whether you’re a distributor or an integrator, understanding these choices can define your success in this growing industry.
-
Explore how customizable design can enhance your laser welding projects and meet specific client needs. ↩
-
Learn about white-label branding and how it can help businesses expand their product offerings without high costs. ↩
-
Explore this link to discover cutting-edge innovations in laser welding that can enhance your production capabilities. ↩
-
Learn how customizable machines can streamline your operations and meet specific market demands effectively. ↩
-
Learn strategies to mitigate shipping delays and improve your supply chain efficiency. ↩
-
Explore how Kirin Laser machines can provide cost-effective solutions with excellent support and branding options. ↩
-
Understanding micron-level control is essential for precision in laser welding, especially in medical devices. ↩
-
Exploring low-spatter performance can enhance welding quality and efficiency, crucial for battery manufacturing. ↩
-
Finding the best laser welding machine and laser welding solutions from Kirin Laser, which will provide everything your needs. ↩



