More and more people are buying handheld laser welding tools these days. Since the middle of 2018, these welding machines have been showing up at many trade shows and getting lots of attention for all the good things they can do. They work fast. The machines are easy to learn, good for the environment, don’t need many extra supplies, and can be used for many different jobs. Big companies like IPG, which makes laser equipment, have started selling these handheld welding tools too.
Why People Love Handheld Laser Welding
IPG’s latest report shows that many customers want these welding machines. The machines are simple to use, make better welds, and can join different types of metal together, which helps some companies save money on materials. Users can clean metal surfaces before and after welding with these tools. This feature saves time and money while helping workers get more done. The machines are helping solve the problem of not having enough skilled welders and high worker costs. Someone who has never welded before can learn to use these machines in just a few hours of practice.
Right now, these welding tools are mostly used in places that work with sheet metal, make car frames, build water tanks, create electrical boxes, make kitchen and bathroom products, and build metal railings for doors and windows. The handheld laser welders work much better than older welding methods like argon arc welding and electric welding. These new tools use 80% to 90% less power than argon arc welding and can weld thin metals like stainless steel, iron, and aluminum much faster. The welds look better too, and workers don’t have to spend as much time smoothing and evening out the metal afterward.
Problems in the Handheld Laser Welding Market
Despite the many advantages of handheld laser welding, a number of issues are holding back its popularity.
High Starting Cost
The biggest problem is the high cost of purchasing these machines. Traditional welding machines only cost a few hundred or thousand dollars, which makes them more affordable for many companies. A handheld laser welding machine can cost tens of thousands of dollars, with a 1 kilowatt model selling for about two thousand dollars. Small and medium-sized companies typically cannot afford to spend this much on new welding equipment. As more companies begin to manufacture these machines and the technology becomes more advanced, the prices begin to come down. The cost gap between laser welding machines and older welding machines narrows every year.
Safety Concerns
The lasers in these machines can harm human skin and eyes. Many factory workers are not aware of the dangers of these lasers. The sparks from welding do not look very bright and the laser beam cannot be seen by the human eye. When the laser hits shiny metals like copper and aluminum, the beam bounces back and hits a person. If the laser gets in the eye, it can cause irreparable damage. Most workers do not take adequate safety measures, which puts them at risk. Everyone using these welding machines needs to wear special safety glasses to protect their eyes and skin.
Old Models Couldn’t Do Everything
The first handheld laser welders had simple, straight welding tips that only made thin welds. This meant they couldn’t do all kinds of welding jobs. Companies like Riselaser fixed this problem by making new welding tips that can move back and forth. The new tips can make welds from very thin (0.2 mm) to much wider (6 mm), depending on what kind of welding job needs to be done. These better welding tips can make bigger welds without slowing down or needing more power, which solves the problems of the older machines.
New technologies and solutions
The new mobile welding heads are one of the biggest improvements in handheld laser welding. These special weld heads allow welders to weld different sizes and get deeper into the metal without changing many settings. Companies can now perform many different welding jobs with just one machine.
The newer handheld laser welding machines also use better, more powerful lasers. These new lasers are more powerful and can weld thicker metals with better quality. As laser power and welding techniques continue to improve, more and more companies in different industries are using handheld laser welding.
Who Uses Handheld Laser Welding
Many companies that need to weld thin metal and complicated shapes are now using handheld laser welding. Here are some examples:
- Sheet Metal Work: These welders work great for joining thin pieces of metal, especially in car parts and appliance making. The welds are fast, clean, and exact, and they don’t bend the metal like old welding methods often do.
- Making Metal Boxes and Cases: Many companies use these welders to make electrical boxes and similar products. Workers can easily weld odd shapes and hard-to-reach spots without needing extra tools or help.
- Working with Stainless Steel: These welders are perfect for making things like food equipment, kitchen appliances, and medical tools out of stainless steel. They use less power and make better welds than old welding tools.
- Cars and Airplanes: More car and airplane makers are using these welders because they make clean, strong welds that don’t need extra work afterward. The welders can work with many different kinds of metal, from strong steel to lightweight aluminum.
Looking to the Future
Handheld laser welding technology has a promising future. Despite problems such as high cost, safety risks, and limited functionality in early models, the technology is advancing rapidly. New welding techniques, stronger lasers and better welding methods are solving many of the problems.
Companies looking to stay ahead of the curve may want to try handheld laser welding. It can help them work faster and save money. But they need to be careful and make sure workers use the right safety equipment to stay safe while welding.