Handheld Laser Welding Machine

We all grew accustomed to seeing a handheld laser welding machine – but, do you believe it to be better than those automated ones? Is it true that welders get more accurate and precise welds from these handheld devices?

In this guide, we will give and deliberate all the information you need surrounding handheld laser welders so you don’t have to look elsewhere!

Understanding What Laser Welding Is

In case you’ve been living under a rock, laser welding has been one of the newest and most modern means of welding. It is a precise and efficient welding technique that uses a concentrated beam of high-energy laser light to join materials together.

The laser beam melts the workpiece’s surfaces, forming a small molten pool that solidifies to produce a sturdy weld connection. Speed, precision, and a small heat-affected zone are the distinguishing features of this method.

Here’s a video that walks you through what laser welding is!

https://youtu.be/6M-8gO3HLqA

Is Laser Welding Effective and Strong?

https://youtu.be/XRerH6gAahw

Oh yes, absolutely. In fact, laser welding is very efficient and able to create strong welds compared to other welding types.

The materials melt quickly and under control as a result of the focused laser beam’s precision and intense heating of the workpiece.

So, this carefully managed heat input lessens distortion and shrinks the heat-affected zone accurately and precisely, resulting in welds that are exceptionally strong, good, and stable.

What is a Handheld Laser Welding Machine?

Now that we know the ins and outs of laser welding, let us now discuss the auxiliary equipment used for it – a laser welding machine. Now, we won’t just be talking about a random type of machine, we’ll discuss a handheld one!

In a nutshell, a handheld laser welding machine is an instrument that gives users the flexibility and control they need to complete laser welding projects. It has a small footprint, a laser source, and the appropriate optics to direct the laser beam to the workpiece.  

They are so good that many industries and sectors use them – we’ll get to that later!

Are Manual Laser Welding Machines Good?

Most people agree that manual laser welding machines are efficient equipment for accurate and high-quality welding tasks. They have a number of benefits that appeal to different sectors. Operators have direct access to and control over the welding process while using manual control, which enables modifications and fine-tuning depending on the unique welding needs.

Here’s a video from weld [HAGOJIBI] showing how a manual laser welding machine is used!

https://youtu.be/_2ztPipaemU

But how about us? What are our thoughts on it? It’s basic – we actually love it. We will choose it over a different type of welding process or machine because of how accurate the results and products can be.

What Are the Parts of a Handheld Laser Welder?

Here’s a list of the different parts and components of a handheld laser welding machine!

NOTE: Just because some parts are listed here, that doesn’t mean that all manufacturers and suppliers use them. The ones we included here are only the general components used.

Handheld Unit

The main body of the welder. It was ergonomically engineered for ease of operation, ensuring that it does its job and assist welders thoroughly. It houses the required triggers, controls, and safety measures and offers a cozy and stable grip throughout welding operations.

Laser Source

The portable welder’s laser source, which generates an intense laser beam, is its brain. In order to produce consistent and effective welding performance, it frequently makes use of solid-state laser technologies, such as fiber lasers.

Cooling System

By controlling the heat produced during laser operation, the cooling system avoids overheating and ensures peak performance. To maintain an appropriate operating temperature for continuous and reliable welding operations, it may incorporate components like fans or liquid cooling systems.

Power Supply

This unit supplies the electrical power necessary to run the laser source and control system. For constant laser performance, it guarantees a stable power output and may have features like voltage control and surge protection.

Controls/Control Panel

Adjusting welding parameters including laser power, pulse duration, and welding mode is simple to do using the control panel. For the best results, operators can alter the parameters in accordance with the unique needs of the welding process.

Gas Supply System

The welding process uses a gas supply system to feed shielding gas, such as argon or helium, to the weld zone. By generating an inert environment, this shielding gas stops oxidation and ensures clean, high-quality welds with little spattering or contamination.

Optics

Mirrors and lenses in the optics system shape and direct the laser beam to the workpiece. These parts provide perfect beam delivery and focusing, enabling precise and controlled welding.

Focusing Lens

An essential component of the optics system that regulates the laser beam’s diameter and focus point is the focusing lens. Operators may obtain perfect beam focusing for various welding jobs, providing precise and controlled welds, by altering the lens location.

What Are the Applications of Handheld Laser Welding?

Laser welding alone is known for its massive impact in the welding (more like the entire construction and structural) industry. However, some business industries are far more reliant on them than others. So, the typical applications of these handheld laser welders are:

Automotive Sector

Applications for handheld laser welding in the vehicle production and maintenance industries are perfect.

They make it possible to precisely weld automobile parts including body panels, chassis, and exhaust systems, resulting in strong, attractive welds with a minimum amount of heat distortion.

Aviation and Aerospace

For maintenance and modification activities, handheld laser welding is used in the aircraft industry. It is useful for on-site repairs, maintenance, and welding of aviation parts such turbine blades, fuel systems, and structural pieces due to its mobility and precision.

Architecture and Engineering  

Handheld laser welders make it possible to precisely and carefully weld structural elements, such steel beams and columns, resulting in strong and long-lasting connections. The welders’ mobility enables on-site repairs and alterations, promoting effective building and maintenance operations.

Additionally, they are adaptable for architectural and engineering projects where multiple metal types may be involved because of their capacity to deal with a variety of materials, including stainless steel and aluminum.

Electronics Industry

Handheld laser welders are excellent for use in the electronics industry, especially for assembling and maintaining electronic components.

By providing regulated heat input, they reduce the danger of damage and enable perfect bonding of fragile wires, connections, and electronic components.

Medical Device and Pharmaceuticals Industry

The use of handheld laser welding is also essential in the manufacture of medical equipment. It makes it possible to precisely combine tiny components, including implants, dental equipment, and surgical instruments, while also guaranteeing that the welds are clean, strong, and exact.

Custom Fabrication Sector

And last but most definitely not least is the custom fabrication industry.

Handheld laser welding allows for the precise creation of delicate patterns and welds for artistic and bespoke fabricators. It creates opportunities for one-of-a-kind and artistic metalwork by enabling the connection of various metals and delicate components.

Don’t think that handheld laser welders are limited to these. There are far more things businesses and companies are using them for. It’s just that these are the most common!

https://youtube.com/shorts/oHfGEJn6zek?feature=share

Pros of Laser Welding

The following are what many consider as the advantages or benefits of laser welding:

• Accuracy & Precision– Laser welding offers incredibly exact results, enabling fine-grained control over the welding process. It permits precise heat input, thin weld bead widths, and perfect weld positioning, leading to welds of excellent quality and aesthetic appeal.
• Operator and Final Product Safety– Laser welding is a non-contact welding procedure, which means that the workpiece and the welding instrument do not come into direct touch. This makes welding more effective by removing the possibility of contamination or tool damage.
• Speed and Timing – Welding will be far quicker than traditional welding techniques. High energy density from the focused laser beam enables quick heating and cooling cycles. This faster welding increases output and shortens the total manufacturing cycle.
• Less Distorts– When compared to conventional welding techniques, laser welding has a reduced distortion due to the regulated heat input and low HAZ.
• Less HAZ– Laser welding reduces the “heat-affected zone,” or “HAZ,” which is the region around the weld joint that is subject to thermal impacts. Reduced distortion, discoloration, and material degradation are possible because to the focused laser beam’s accurate and targeted heating.
• Flexibility and Versatility– A broad variety of materials, including metals, polymers, and even dissimilar materials, may be joined with laser welding, which is incredibly flexible. It is appropriate for a variety of applications across industries since it can tolerate different thicknesses and forms.

And if you thought these were the only positives, they’re not. They are only the most outlined and most noticed!

Cons of Laser Welding

Now, let’s discuss the cons or the disadvantages of laser welding.

• Sensitivity– The cleanliness and condition of the surface affect laser welding. Prior to welding, a thorough surface preparation is necessary to remove contaminants like oils, dirt, or oxide coatings that may impair the weld quality.
• Experience Requirement – Laser welding needs competent operators who are knowledgeable in operating and programming the machinery as well as laser safety regulations, due to the intricacy of laser welding systems, specific levels of experience and training are required.
• Higher Initial Investment– Laser welding equipment, especially high-power laser systems, can be expensive. For small enterprises or those with tight budgets, investing in and setting up laser welding equipment may require a larger initial outlay than using traditional welding techniques.
• Limitations on Compatibility – Laser welding is flexible. However, some materials could be more difficult to weld. To get the best weld quality, highly reflective materials, such as copper or aluminum, could need extra considerations or specialized laser systems.

How Powerful Can a Handheld Laser Welding Machine Be?

Depending on the type and manufacturer, portable laser welding devices’ power might change. Handheld laser welders typically have power outputs between a few hundred and a few kilowatts.

For delicate and precise welding jobs like jewelry repair or electronics assembly, lower-power portable laser welders in the range of a few hundred watts are ideal.

On the other hand, higher-power portable laser welders with outputs in the region of a few kW offer better penetration and faster welding.

https://youtube.com/shorts/fuVADvleKdY?feature=share

Is There a Portable Laser Welding Machine?

Yes! Handheld laser welders are portable, by nature. In fact, they’re lightweight and engineered to be maneuvered, brought, and transported easily from one site to another.

There are, however, machines that are portable but just a bit heavier because they’re auxiliary machines.

Small Laser Welding Machine Price

It really depends on the machine and the current market value. Small laser welding devices generally have a starting price of $5,000 and can cost up to $30,000 or more.

But, don’t be blinded by the fact that it can go up to $100,000 or more for higher-quality and more advanced welding machines.

5-In-1 Handheld Laser Welding Machine

In case you didn’t know, a multifunctional welding tool that integrates numerous operations into one unit is known as a 5-in-1 portable laser welding equipment. This will depend on the machine itself. However, the most common ones would typically have the following features and functionality:

• Spot Welding
• Micro Welding
• Laser Welding
• Seam Welding
• Pulse Welding

Check out a couple of the best 5-in-1 handheld laser welders offered in the market today!

How To Use a Handheld Laser Welding Machine?

Using a handheld laser welder might be daunting for some. But, in reality, it’s as simple as it seems! Here at Cheeron Laser, we believe the simple and generic process of using these equipment.

1. Make sure the workpiece is ready, clean, and positioned correctly.
2. On the machine’s control panel, adjust the welding settings and laser power as needed.
3. Wear the proper safety equipment, such as gloves, protective clothes, and glasses.
4. Start the welding process after aiming the laser beam at the target welding region.
5. Keep your hands firm and move the portable laser welder at a steady pace along the weld line.
6. During the welding process, keep an eye on the weld quality and modify the settings as necessary.
7. Perform any necessary post-welding treatments or finishing touches when the weld is complete, then verify the joint for quality.
8. When handling and storing the portable laser welding equipment, make sure you maintain the unit properly and adhere to all safety precautions.

Why is Cheeron Laser Your Best Choice For Handheld Laser Welders?

Being industry-leaders in welding and laser processing sector, we here at Cheeron Laser can guarantee exceptional-quality handheld laser welders at prices you will feel bad not to buy. We started our journey by learning – now, businesses, companies, and organizations from all over the world learn from us!

You can place your complete trust in us, our team, as well as our products and services to give you not only the highest and best quality of handheld lasers, but customer service and after-care services, too.

Get all types of laser equipment you need! From coil-fed laser cutting machines, laser cleaners to CNC hydraulic press brakes, you’ll get superior-quality products from us!

Join thousands of interested individuals and get our handheld laser welders at rates and prices you will absolutely love and come back for!

• We have 60+ years of combined in-field and out-field experience in laser welding
• Our resources, parts, materials, and components are sourced from top-tier suppliers
• We have experts, veterans, and specialists in every welding aspect
• All our prices are competitive
• We can give you a free estimate without commitment

Call us and get a free quote in the same day!