Fiber Laser Welding: How Thick of Metal Can You Weld
If you’re new to welding technology, keep reading!
Laser welding stands out among various welding techniques due to its low pollution, high precision, superior weld quality, and advanced automation. In this article, you’ll discover the cutting capabilities of CNC laser welders across different power levels, helping you understand their applications and advantages in modern manufacturing.
How CNC Laser Welding Machines Work
Fiber laser welding utilizes a focused laser beam to melt and join materials. The process involves generating a high-energy laser beam that is transmitted through optical fibers to the welding head. The concentrated light energy heats the material, leading to melting and ultimately fusing the pieces together. This method is known for its precision and ability to produce high-quality welds with minimal thermal distortion.
Key Advantages of Laser Welding
- High Precision: Produces clean, precise welds with minimal heat-affected zones.
- Speed: Faster welding speeds compared to traditional methods, increasing productivity.
- Versatility: Capable of welding various materials, including metals and some plastics.
Factors Influencing Welding Thickness Capability
Several factors influence the thickness of materials that can be effectively welded using fiber laser machines:
1. Power Output
The power of the laser significantly affects its ability to weld thicker materials. Higher power levels produce more heat, enabling deeper penetration and faster welding speeds.
2. Material Type
Different materials respond differently to laser energy. For example, aluminum has higher thermal conductivity than stainless steel, requiring more power to achieve similar weld penetration.
3. Welding Speed
The speed at which the laser moves across the material can affect the depth of penetration. Slower speeds allow for deeper welds, while faster speeds may be better suited for thinner materials.
4. Beam Focus and Lens Type
The focus of the laser beam and the lens used in the welding head play a critical role in determining weld quality and thickness capabilities. A more focused beam allows for better penetration in thicker materials.
5. Wire Feed Mode
The wire feed mode, whether single or dual, significantly affects weld thickness. A dual wire feed allows for higher material deposition, enhancing penetration and strength in thicker materials, making it suitable for heavy applications. In contrast, a single wire feed typically has lower deposition rates, limiting effective thickness and making it better for thinner materials or precision work.
Welding Thickness by Power Level
We have recorded the required power of laser welders for welding different thicknesses of metal, along with the achievable speeds. See the table below:
Single wire feed | ||
Plate thickness (mm) | Laser power (W) | Welding speed (mm/min) |
1.0 | 300~500 | 30-50 |
2.0 | 500~700 | 20-50 |
3.0 | 700~1200 | 20-40 |
4.0 | 900~1500 | 20-30 |
5.0 | 1200~1900 | 10-20 |
7.0 | 2000~2900 | 10-20 |
Double wire feed | ||
5.0 | 1200~1900 | 10-20 |
7.0 | 2000~2900 | 10-20 |
Multi-wire feed | ||
2.0 | 700~1200 | 10-20 |
3.0 | 900~1500 | 10-20 |
4.0 | 900~1500 | 10-20 |
Note:
- The material thickness in the above table is theoretical; factors such as material type, quality, gas purity (argon, nitrogen), personal technique, and welding speed can all affect the welding results.
- The measured metals are carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum alloy.
Low Power (300W – 500W)
Low-power fiber laser welders in the 300W to 500W range are designed primarily for welding thin metal materials. Their specifications and applications include:
- Maximum Thickness: Up to 1mm thick.
- Applications: This power range is ideal for applications that require high precision, such as welding delicate components in the electronics industry and performing fine assembly work in various metal fabrication tasks.
Medium Power (500W – 1500W)
Medium-power machines offer greater versatility:
- Maximum Thickness: Up to 4mm
- Applications: Ideal for automotive parts, general manufacturing, and aerospace applications, providing strong, precise welds for moderate thickness materials.
High Power (1500W – 3000W)
High-power machines are designed for heavier-duty applications:
- Maximum Thickness: Up to 7mm
- Applications: Excel in industrial sectors like shipbuilding and heavy machinery. They efficiently handle thicker materials, ensuring strong, durable welds for demanding applications.
Ultra High Power (3000W and Above)
The latest advancements have led to ultra-high-power laser welding system:
- Maximum Thickness: 20mm and beyond
- Applications: Essential in specialized industries such as aerospace and oil and gas. They handle materials exceeding 20mm in thickness, making them suitable for critical components like aircraft structures and heavy-duty pipelines, where strong, reliable welds are crucial for safety and performance.
Conclusion
Hope this article will help you gain a clearer understanding of the thickness capabilities and welding speeds of laser welding machines, empowering you to make informed decisions when purchasing equipment.
As laser welding technology advances, machines with power levels up to 20 kW and welding robots are hitting the market, allowing for even thicker materials to be welded. Choosing a laser welder is undoubtedly a smart move to enhance your production efficiency and boost your competitive edge in the industry.