A laser can be defined as an optical source, which emits photons in a coherent beam. Lasers were first discovered in the year 1960 and were proposed as a variation of the ‘maser’ principle at that time. Laser technology has improved greatly since that time and has found applications in a variety of disciplines such as science, industry, medicine, and consumer electronics.
Laser welding is used extensively in job shops for welding miniature components used in aerospace, medical, automotive, instrumentation and sensor, and electrical/electronics industries, among others. It is very often used for encapsulating electrical components, such as switching devices that need to be protected and hermetically sealed.
Laser welding is used in the manufacturing of hypodermic needles and tube assemblies, welding razor components, and welding tungsten filaments used in halogen bulbs. Laser welding machines are used in conjunction with computer numeric control (CNC), which makes it ideal for use with thin walled tubing, boasting beam widths down to .0005′. In this process, the machining operator uses computers to control laser-welding equipment for handling complex and intricate welding jobs. Laser welding process involves the use of conventional as well as fiber optic beam delivery systems, which allow precision positioning while welding metals or other materials.
Laser welding machines are fast replacing electron beam welding equipment that costs in the range of eight to fifteen hundred thousand dollars. As compared to these, a laser-welding machine is available in the range of two to three hundred thousand dollars. Laser welding process is fast as the absence of vacuum chamber eliminates the time required for pumping down the chamber. This however reduces its power and limits its usage to welding of light penetration materials with a maximum thickness of 1/8 inch.
Research is underway to develop advanced laser welding techniques that will allow the production of microscopic devices for use in medical industry. This will help in fighting deadly diseases such as cancer in the near future.
Related Articles of Interest :
-
Welding Equipment
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
In an industrial context, welding refers to a fabrication process that joins materials such as metals and thermoplastics, by causing coalescence. This is typically done by melting the work pieces and adding a filler material such as a welding rod, to form a pool of...
-
Welding Machines
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
In industrial context, welding refers to a fabrication process that joins materials such as metals and thermoplastics, by causing coalescence. This is typically done by softening the work pieces and adding a filler material, which is often a welding rod, to form a pool of...
-
Welding Supplies
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
The leading manufacturers that are spread throughout the nation supply welding machines and other spare parts used in welding through their shops and retails stores. WeilerDirect.com is a supplier of Lincoln and Hobart welding machines and other accessories like welding helmets. Hobart supplies spot welders,...
-
Welding Microscopes
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Micro welding or micro-dimensional welding is a widely used and accepted process in today’s industry. The process is carried out under a welding microscope which helps to weld small areas with maximum accuracy. Welding microscopes are specially designed to offer great control of part positioning...
-
Laser Machining
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Laser machining technology uses high intensity laser beams of varying widths for a variety of applications such as slotting, cutting, and creating holes. It can be used in fabrication of different types of materials such as metals, plastics, vinyl, glass, marble, and graphite. Other materials...
-
Plastic Welding
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Plastic welding is the process of joining work pieces made from plastic with the help of advanced welding techniques. Plastic welding can be used for joining two or more work pieces made from the same type of plastic or two or more pieces made from...
-
Welding Rods
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
In technical terms, welding rods are commonly known as filler metals. A welding rod is a metal that is used in the process of welding to fill a joint that has to be fixed. The process of welding is typically done by melting the work...
-
Welding Safety
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Welding jobs can be as dangerous as other industrial activities and includes the risk of asphyxiation due to dangerous inhalants, skin and eye damage due to ultraviolet light, electrical or chemical fires, and long-term negative effects from fumes. These risks can be avoided or mitigated...
-
Welding
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Welding is the process of fusion of two metal surfaces together by heating them in a forge. Welds made with good forge are really strong and delicate, and it’s very hard to detect the welding mark with the naked eye. Welding is useful for a...
-
Underwater Welding
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Underwater welding techniques are most commonly used in executing marine engineering projects such as installation of oil and gas rigs. Underwater welding is mostly related to welding work pieces made from different types of metals such as steel, aluminum, copper, and others. Underwater welding can...