Laser welding is gradually becoming more popular compared to more traditional MIG welding and TIG welding processes. Laser welding has many advantages over traditional welding processes in various industries, such as automotive, medicine, and aircraft manufacturing processes. It provides solutions to multiple engineering problems such as fewer heat effects, higher quality, higher precision, and more.
In modern aircraft production and manufacturing, laser welding is being used to connect multiple parts together into a single complex structure. It not only simplifies the overall process but also saves material resources, thereby improving production efficiency. Currently, laser welding is one of the fastest-developing methods, and a lot of research has been carried out in recent years on more reliable aluminum alloy laser welding technology.
Read this post to find out more about the key benefits of laser welding technology. But first, let us briefly review the process of laser welding.
Laser Welding
Is a process in which a highly concentrated light beam is used on an extremely small spot that causes the area under the laser beam to absorb light and become highly energetic. The powerful laser beams used excites the electrons to an extent such that the bonds between the atoms are broken, and the material melts as a consequence. This melting of two materials at their junction fuses them into a joint.
Advantages Of Laser Welding
Fast Speed
Laser welding is a highly focused and fast process as compared to other conventional welding techniques. You can weld thin sections of materials at an average speed of multiple meters per second, depending on what type and power of laser you use. A joint can be completed in a single pass with the laser welding method, while others require multiple passes for joints.
Therefore, lasers are well-suited for use in high productivity and fast-paced automated environments such as the aircraft manufacturing industry.
Deep & Narrow Welds
Laser welding allows for narrow and deep welding, giving a good large depth to narrow width ratio. It is, therefore, the most effective method for joint configurations that are usually unsuitable through other welding techniques, such as stake welding through lap joints. This way, smaller flanges can be used in place of parts made using resistance spot welding.
Flexibility
The laser welding technique’s automated nature means that it is done using optical fiber-delivered beams such as diodes, fiber, and disk lasers. These can be easily manipulated remotely using multi-axis robotic delivery systems that give them much more flexibility, resulting in better manufacturing processes of any kind.
Low Distortion & Low Heat Input
Lasers produce a highly concentrated heat source that targets an area small enough to create a keyhole. It produces small volumes of weld metals as a result, and the amount of heat transmitted into the surrounding material is very low. Consequently, all samples retain their metallurgic structure because they are distorted far less than those welded with other processes.
The low heat input of the heat-affected zones adjacent to the weld suffers less thermal damage and loss of properties in the parent material. Therefore, the welding’s quality or output is much higher, making it extremely beneficial for the aircraft manufacturing process.
Suitable For Various Materials & Thicknesses
A wide range of materials, both metallic and non-metallic, can be welded or joined together using laser welding. For example, stainless steel, steel, Ti, Al, and Ni alloys, textiles, and plastics can all be used. If you consider the example of steel, the thickness of the material you can weld can be anything from below a millimeter to around 30mm. However, the success of this is dependent on the type and power of the laser you use.
With the continuous improvement of laser beam quality, laser welding has become a widely used welding technique in different national economies and national defense construction fields. It is highly suitable for environments where you need fast, precise, and high-quality welding results.
About Acorn Welding
Acorn Welding is the most trusted and highly qualified aviation welding company in Edmonton. We have the latest product designs and manufacturing capabilities required for safe aircraft welding. To get the most reliable and the best services related to aviation welding, click here.
