There are two types of laser welding machines out there: handheld and automated. Both have their own unique uses and benefits for the manufacturing industry. It is your needs and preferences that will dictate whether you should go for an automatic laser welder or a manual one.
That’s why it’s necessary to know about their applications and perks. In today’s article, we will discuss everything about automatic laser welding machines. If one of the two types becomes clear to you, the decision-making process will be a lot easier.
What is an Automatic Laser Welder?
An automatic laser welding machine uses automated high-energy pulses to heat materials in small areas. Through heat transfer, the laser energy spreads through the material, transforming it into a specific molten area.
This type of welding gear is mostly used to join thin-walled materials and precise parts together. It can do different types of welding, like spot welding, butt welding, overlap welding, and seal welding.
An automatic welder has some unique features, such as
- A narrow weld width
- A fast welding speed
- High-quality welds with no air pockets
- Precise control
- High positioning accuracy
- The ability to be easily automated
Besides, these laser welders use advanced robotics and motion control systems. Such technologies help to move and position the workpieces correctly and do the welding process without any help from a person.
For trouble-free operation, a fully automated laser welding machine integrates multiple systems and components. Typical components include a control unit, sensors, vision systems, workpiece fixtures, robotic arms, and laser sources.
You can fine-tune the welding and process parameters with the help of the control unit. It oversees the machine’s operations, programming, and monitoring.
The Difference Between Automatic and Manual Laser Welders
The automatic laser welding machine is programmed to follow a set procedure while welding. Conversely, the manual laser welding machine is enlarged on the screen by hand. It helps to see the spot welding.
Fully automatic laser welding is mostly used in the CNC automation of the work platform. It places strict requirements on the function and adaptability of the workbench.
However, this is not a perfect solution, and many products with different switches might not be able to be operated on. It also limits what the automatic laser welding machine can do.
The manual laser welding machine resolves these issues. For welding, it uses a hand-held laser welding head to do the work. The control angle can be changed, and it can be used for a variety of shapes and angles.
Another way to describe it is as laser equipment that is not made just for one material. Any kind of material can be welded as long as the power is strong enough with the manual machines.
Automated Laser Welding Machine Application
An automated laser welding machine is great for joining small to medium-sized parts or pieces that need to be very precise. Hence, it’s suitable for
- Vacuum cups and other sealed containers
- Pressure sensors
- Instrumentation
- Motor rotors
- Batteries
- Filters, injectors, and other auto parts
- Medical equipment
- Stainless steel kitchen utensils
- Small hardware products
- Metal glass frames
- 3D channel letter signs
- Golf heads
- Alloy crafts welding and manufacturing
Besides, the capabilities of an automated laser welder include realizing laser welding between:
- Carbon steel
- Alloy steel
- Stainless steel
- Stainless steel-nickel alloy
- Nickel electrode-cold forged steel
- Bimetallic strips with different nickel content
- Titanium
- Nickel
- Tin
- Copper
- Aluminum
- Chromium
- Niobium
- Gold
- Silver
Moreover, it’s able to weld various metal alloys, such as:
- Copper-nickel
- Nickel-titanium
- Copper-titanium
- Titanium-molybdenum
- Brass-copper
- Carbon steel-copper
The Benefits of Using an Automated Laser Welder
A laser welder in itself is a great tool for welding. But when you couple it with automation techniques, the benefits get multiplied. Let’s look at such advantages.
-
Enhancing Quality
Automated systems can precisely control the welding parameters to achieve a high level of consistent welding quality. Compared to manual welding, this makes it much easier for parts to fit together. This is especially true when the design of the part makes the process difficult.
-
Increasing Efficiency
Automated welding can work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at high speeds, which makes welding production much more efficient. Automation or robots can work nonstop without stopping or getting tired, which shortens delivery and production cycles.
-
Reducing Human Error
When people weld by hand, issues like their skill level, tiredness, or lack of focus can affect the quality of the weld. Automation in welding cuts down on mistakes made by people, making sure that the welding process is always the same.
-
Lowering Costs
Shorter cycle times and longer operating hours can lower the cost per weld, but that is not the only way to save money. With automated welding, the costs of waste and replacement parts go down. Fewer mistakes mean less waste generation! Robots only use the smallest amount of filler material needed each time. In this way, the amount of consumable material gets minimized.
-
Flexibility and Diversity
You can program automated welding systems to change their settings as needed to accommodate different welding tasks and parts. So, production lines can easily change to meet different needs.
-
Recording and Tracking
Automated systems are capable of recording welding parameters, process data, and quality metrics. This makes them very useful for quality control and tracking. So, problems can be found quickly, and fixes can be made.
-
Safer Working
Automated welding keeps workers away from both arc flash and weld heat. It makes the workplace and the work process more secure.
Conclusion
Automatic laser welding machines make the work a lot easier with the help of robotics and automation technologies. Their abilities have made them an integral part of a large number of applications, such as in the automotive industry, welding different metal alloys, and more!
However, fully automated welders do have some limitations. This is especially true when welding products with multiple switches. Nevertheless, cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and boosted efficiency can overwhelm such shortcomings.
But if you are looking for the best-quality laser welding machines, then Fiber Laser Welder can be the answer. We only sell the best handheld laser welding machines that can completely change the way you weld things. Contact us today to grab what you need.