Laser WeldingLaser welding of metals produces an accurate weld with very small heat effected zone and little distortion. Lasers offer precision and programmability. The absence of tooling allows a CNC laser program to be modified quickly to accommodate changes in design. CO2 or Nd:YAG lasers can be used for welding. The CO2 laser is more efficient and can have a higher power output. The laser head is normally held in one position as the beam is delivered to the work by mirrors and the work is manipulated under the laser beam. The Nd:YAG laser delivers the laser beam through a fibre optic cable, allowing these lasers to be used on a robot. This gives the ability to focus the beam accurately on curved or uneven surfaces using 5-axis control. The process is becoming widely used in the automotive industry for welding panels and gears. It is suitable for spot welding or seam welding. The assist or process gases used are helium or argon.
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