Laser welding is a significant aspect of laser material processing technology. It can be categorized into laser welding machines (manual machines), automatic laser welders, laser spot welders, and fiber-optic laser welding machines. Laser welding involves using high-energy laser pulses to locally heat a small area of the material, with the energy of the laser radiation diffusing into the material through thermal conduction, causing the material to melt and form a specific molten pool, thereby achieving the welding objective.

The principle of laser welding machines is essentially to complete welding through pulse laser beams. It can be divided into thermal conduction and laser deep penetration. The thermal conduction principle involves heating the area to be welded through radiation. As surface heat gradually penetrates into the material's interior via conduction, melting the workpiece can be achieved with relative energy, repetition frequency, and relevant laser parameters. Laser deep penetration requires a continuous laser beam to perform the task, thereby achieving interconnection and welding depth of the material. With technological advancement (categorized as pulse laser welding and continuous laser welding), pulse laser welding has less than or equal to 100 spots per second, while continuous laser welding can reach less than or equal to 5,000 spots per second. This welding principle, under sufficient high-density laser irradiation, allows the welding material to rapidly absorb the energy of the laser beam at a point, resulting in complete melting and penetration of the metal.

Compared to other traditional welding techniques, the main advantages of laser welding are:

1. The laser beam has a small laser focal spot with high power density, enabling welding of high melting point and high-strength alloy materials.

2. Laser welding is a contactless processing method, free from tool wear and tool change issues. The laser beam energy and movement speed are adjustable, allowing for various welding processes.

3. Laser welding boasts high automation, can be controlled by computers, offers rapid welding speeds, and high efficiency, allowing for easy welding of any complex shapes.

4. Laser welding results in a small heat-affected zone and minimal material deformation, eliminating the need for further processing.

5. Lasers can weld workpieces inside vacuum chambers and within intricate structural interiors.

6. Laser beams are easy to direct and focus, allowing for transformations in all directions.

7. Laser welding compares favorably to electron beam processing, requiring no stringent vacuum equipment systems and is easy to operate.

8. Laser welding offers high production efficiency, stable and reliable processing quality, and good economic and social benefits.

Application:

Laser welding technology is suitable for welding metals such as gold, silver, titanium, nickel, tin, copper, aluminum, stainless steel, galvanized steel, and their alloys. It enables precise welding between the same type of metal and different types of metals, and has been widely applied in industries such as aerospace equipment, shipbuilding, instruments and meters, electromechanical products, hardware accessories, kitchenware, digital accessories, fitness equipment, precision machinery, and automotive manufacturing.