Laser beam welding (LBW) and electron beam welding (EBW) are both types of power beam welding. Still, there are some basic differences between each type of welding and the things that it can be used for. If you like power beam welding, you may be wondering which is best for you: electron beam welding vs laser beam welding!
Electron and laser beam welding differ in their energy sources, with EBW using focused electron beams and LBW utilizing coherent photons. Notably, EBW offers deeper penetration and operates in a vacuum but is costlier and limited by chamber size. Conversely, LBW is more versatile and can be highly automated.
This article will provide a comprehensive comparison between EBW and LBW. We will look at the pros and cons of each welding type. Keep reading if you want to make a firm decision about the right welding technique.
Laser Beam Welding vs Electron Beam Welding at a Glance
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Aspect |
Electron Beam Welding |
Laser Beam Welding |
| Beam Type | A focused stream of electrons | Monochromatic photons |
| Welding Speed | Can achieve deep penetration over a wide range of speeds | Requires high welding speeds due to metal vapor plume |
| Costing | More expensive due to extra safety gear and a vacuum chamber | May be cheaper depending on usage |
| Vacuum Environment | Operates in a vacuum chamber for better weld quality and operator safety | Standard operation at room temperature and pressure; can weld in a vacuum for deeper welds |
| Component Size | Limited by vacuum chamber size | Can be used on any size part with no vacuum chamber |
| Weld Quality | Provides a stable environment for high-quality welds | Requires shielding gas for oxidation prevention; real-time monitoring can enhance quality |
| Automated Process | Quick chamber cleaning; cycle time varies based on weld complexity | Highly automated with high production rates; no need to wait for chamber emptying |
Laser Beam Welding
Laser welding is a way to join two different or the same metals together by using a powerful laser beam. It can make both a narrow and a deep weld.
The laser beam can quickly join thin pieces of metal together. Laser welding uses shield gas to protect the area being welded. Let us look at some of its pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
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Electron Beam Welding
Electron beam (EB) welding is a type of fusion welding that uses a high-speed electron beam. It comes with a vacuum chamber that protects the work area from environmental hazards and is used to join two metals that have been welded together.
It also has a fiber-optic cable for more control, and it can be used on any kind of metal. Let us learn more by looking at the pros and cons of electron beam welding:
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Pros |
Cons |
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Electron Beam Welding vs Laser Beam Welding: The Difference
EB welding uses a very focused beam or stream of electrons. Conversely, laser welding uses monochromatic photons, which behave in a coherent way. When photons or electrons contact the metal, their energy transforms into heat energy.
However, there are some differences that we should focus on, such as
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Welding Speed
Laser welding with a shielding gas always needs high welding speeds because of the plume of metal vapor that forms. Electron beam welding, on the other hand, can do deep penetration welds over a wide range of speeds.
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Penetration
There is a big difference between the penetration levels of laser welding and EB welding. Due to environmental factors, electron beam welding makes welds that go deeper into the material than laser welding.
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Costing
Compared to laser welding, electron beam welding is more expensive because it needs extra safety gear. The workspace vacuum chamber makes electron beam welding fairly expensive. Laser welding, on the other hand, may be a bit cheaper depending on how it is used.
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Vacuum Environment
An EB welder works in a vacuum chamber. This makes the weld better because it keeps dirt out of the weld pool. When you weld in a vacuum, the operator is also protected from the dangerous welding environment.
Standard laser welding occurs at room temperature and pressure, with the addition of shielding gas. Laser welding in a vacuum, on the other hand, makes the weld much deeper.
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Component Size
The electron beam welder’s vacuum chamber limits the size of the parts that can be used because they have to fit inside it. The chambers are kept as small as possible so that they can be evacuated faster.
Since there is no vacuum chamber, laser welding with a shielding gas can be used on any part of any size. You can also use fiber-optic systems for delivery. These features let the welding head be far from the power source.
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Weld Quality
Electrical beam welding creates a stable and consistent environment that allows for high-quality weld joints in a wide range of situations. Using backscattered electrons for joint detection and imaging is an advanced technique that improves the weld quality.
When laser welding, a shielding gas, usually nitrogen or argon, is needed to keep the weld area from oxidizing and to keep the weld pools stable. Though it costs a lot, keeping an eye on the depth and quality of the weld in real-time can make it better.
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Automated Process
Electron beam welding can be done by itself, and it only takes seconds to clean out the chamber. Each part of an automotive cycle usually takes 40 seconds. However, the length and complexity of the weld affect the time it takes.
Laser welding can be very automated and have high production rates. You can proceed without waiting for the chamber to be emptied. You can also split beams and share beams.
FAQ
Q. Is Laser Welding Better Than Electron Beam Welding?
Ans. There are some advantages to laser welding over electron beam welding. Not needing a vacuum chamber can make it cheaper to set up than electron beam welding.
Q. What Is The Need for A Gas Shield In Laser Welding?
Ans. Gas shields protect the tools needed for laser welding. It sets the right air pressure and keeps oxygen and air vapor out of the welding area.
Conclusion
Now that you know all the pros and cons of both the electron beam and laser welding machines, you can make an excellent choice. You can get deeper welds with EB welding. However, the cost-effectiveness and tendency to not damage the surroundings make laser welding the best option.
But no matter how useful laser welding might be, without a high-quality welder, everything will be nipped in the bud. Rest easy because Fiber Laser Welder is here. We can be your best friend when it comes to modern fiber laser welder technology. Contact us today to find the best laser welders.
