Laser welding machines

What is a laser welding machine and how does it work?

A laser welding machine is a welding system that uses a focused laser beam as a heat source to fuse two metal parts together. Modern machines use fibre laser technology: A laser source generates an extremely concentrated beam of light, which is directed with pinpoint accuracy onto the workpiece via a welding torch. The high energy density melts the material locally and in a fraction of a second – usually without any filler material, though an automatic wire feed is available as an option for wider gaps.

This is how a laser welding process works:

• The laser beam is focused onto the joint between the workpieces.
• The metal melts locally and bonds firmly together as it cools.
• If required, an automatic wire feed supplies additional filler metal.

The result is narrow, high-strength welds with minimal heat input. As a result, the workpieces hardly warp at all, and the welds generally require little or no reworking.

Applications of laser welding machines

A laser welder is suitable for a wide range of applications in industry, the skilled trades and service sectors. The technology really comes into its own particularly where clean welds and high speed are required. Our laser welding machines have proven their worth, for example, in:

 

• Metal & steel construction: joining sheet metal, sections and structural components with a clean weld appearance
• Tool and mould making: Precision welding on moulds, jigs and small parts
• Tank & stainless steel fabrication: Production of leak-tight, visually high-quality welds on stainless steel components

As laser welding machines operate significantly faster than conventional TIG welding inverters or MIG/MAG gas-shielded welding machines, they are a particularly worthwhile investment for businesses with a high throughput of welding work. Those who also wish to cut metal will find suitable plasma cutters for metalworking at ELMAG.

Power classes and features at a glance

ELMAG offers premium hand-held fibre laser welding machines in several power ratings: 1,200 watts, 1,500 watts, 2,000 watts and 3,000 watts. The higher the power, the greater the material thicknesses that can be reliably welded. Across the entire model range, this allows for the processing of material thicknesses from around 0.8 to 10 mm for steel and stainless steel, and from 0.8 to 8 mm for aluminium – depending on the selected power model. Units from 1,500 watts upwards are water-cooled, enabling reliable continuous operation even during intensive use.

With automatic wire feed

An automatic wire feeder is included as standard for weld seams with larger gap dimensions or for material compensation. It is suitable for various wire diameters as well as for aluminium, steel and stainless steel. With the 2,000- and 3,000-W lasers, it is also possible to use a dual-wire system. An additional wire feeder can be purchased as an option for this purpose. This extends the range of applications to include workpieces with less precise fits.

Safety in laser welding: what to bear in mind

Hand-held laser welding machines operate at very high radiation intensities. Their use is therefore only permitted in compliance with strict safety regulations. Before commissioning, companies should clarify the following points:

• Laser safety officers: Individuals with appropriate specialist training should coordinate operations.
• Suitable shielding: A laser safety enclosure with the necessary safety precautions protects bystanders.
• Effective welding fume extraction: This keeps the air at the workplace clean and protects health.
• Personal protective equipment: Laser safety goggles , visors or helmets, gloves and laser-protective clothing are mandatory.

ELMAG offers suitable accessories such as certified laser safety goggles and visors in accordance with EN 207, as well as extraction systems and other occupational safety equipment. Our experts will be happy to assist you with any questions regarding the appropriate safety equipment.

What should you look out for when buying a laser welding machine?

A laser welding machine is a long-term investment in productivity and seam quality. When selecting the right model, the following criteria are crucial:

• Power in watts: Determines which material thicknesses can be reliably welded.
• Cooling: Water-cooled systems are designed for longer welding times and continuous operation.
• Wire feed: Automatic wirefeed allows for the processing of larger gap dimensions and material compensation.
• Safety equipment: Suitable laser safety goggles or visors, as well as appropriate shielding, are essential.
• Ease of use: An intuitive user interface makes it easy to get started, even for staff with no prior laser experience.

Key highlights of ELMAG’s laser welding machines

ELMAG’s laser welding machines stand out thanks to their sophisticated technology and the decades of experience our experts have brought to bear on every detail – from the laser source to the appropriate safety accessories. This is evident in the following points:

• Latest-generation fibre laser technology: Precise energy delivery for clean, high-strength welds with minimal distortion.
• Water-cooled systems: Enable reliable continuous operation even during intensive, non-stop use.
• Optional automatic wire feed: Single or twin wire for greater flexibility when working with different workpieces.
• Versatile material compatibility: Steel , stainless steel, aluminium, copper and brass can all be processed with ease.
• Extensive range of laser safety accessories: Tested safety goggles and face shields compliant with EN 207 are available directly from the product range.
• Practical operation: Intuitive controls make it easy to get started with laser technology.

Find the laser welding machine that best suits your requirements in our online shop, complete with the appropriate safety accessories. With ELMAG, you can rely on certified quality and dependable service!

Laser welding is increasingly evolving from a niche process into an established feature in workshops and industry. Anyone investing in a laser welder today can look forward to faster processes, less rework and consistently high weld quality – benefits that quickly make themselves felt in day-to-day work. If you have any questions about the appropriate power class or safety equipment, our welding technology team is always on hand to help.

Frequently Asked Questions What are the advantages and disadvantages of a laser welding machine?

Laser welding machines impress above all with their speed and weld quality. The advantages include a high working speed – up to six times faster than TIG welding – minimal distortion, hardly any rework and ease of use. The disadvantages include the higher initial investment compared to conventional welding inverters, as well as the strict safety requirements that must be clarified before use. For businesses with high throughput and high standards for weld quality, the advantages generally far outweigh the disadvantages.

Is laser welding also suitable for beginners?

Yes, modern laser welding machines are deliberately designed for ease of use. Intuitive user interfaces and automated functions such as wire feeding make it easy to get started, even without years of welding experience. However, regardless of your level of knowledge, training in the applicable laser safety regulations is mandatory before first use, as the laser beam involves high levels of energy.

What safety regulations apply when using a laser welding machine?

Hand-held laser welding machines may only be operated in compliance with strict safety regulations. These include trained laser safety personnel on site, suitable shielding of the work area – for example, by means of a laser safety enclosure – effective welding fume extraction, and personal protective equipment such as laser safety goggles, visors or helmets, gloves and protective clothing. You can find suitable personal protective equipment for this directly in the ELMAG range.

Can a laser welding machine also be used for cutting or cleaning?

Pure laser welding machines are primarily designed for joining metals. Some systems on the market offer additional operating modes for laser cleaning, which can be used to remove rust, paint or contaminants from metal surfaces, for example. For cutting metal, however, we recommend using a dedicated plasma cutter, which is technically optimised for this task.

How much does a laser welding machine cost?

Prices for laser welding machines vary greatly depending on power class and features. Lower-power models are in the entry-level segment, whilst more powerful machines with higher wattage and automatic wire feed are priced accordingly higher. In addition, there may be costs for safety accessories such as laser safety goggles or a protective screen. You can find the current prices for individual models in our online shop, or contact our experts directly for personalised advice.