Laser Welding Stainless Steel SYNRAD
Welding processes are split into two categories: (1) low energy density, and (2) high energy density processes. Low energy density processes are those such as traditional arc and resistance welding technologies that rely on heat conduction through the material from a surface point to provide melting. High energy density processes using lasers create a heating filament, known as the keyhole, which penetrates the depth and offers two-dimensional line heating, causing a highly efficient heat transfer into the weld joint.
The key advantages of laser welding are a small heat affected zone (HAZ), accurate control of heat input, and the ability to direct the beam precisely to the weld point. This means reduced thermal distortion, the ability to weld close to heat sensitive parts, and precision welding capabilities.
Laser welding provides precise heat control at the weld point for heat-senstive and precision-welding applications.
Major applications for sub-kilowatt lasers are in precision-welding and heat-sensitive welding processes, such as hermetic sealing, because the typical focused beam diameter of 100 microns localizes temperature rises around the weld to fractions of an inch.
05 April 2011
