Resistor Welding

It is used for welding thin metal parts. By clamping the workpiece between two electrodes, a high current melts the surface of the electrode contact, thus implementing the welding through the resistive heating of the workpiece. The workpiece is prone to deformation. Resistance welding involves welding both sides of the joint, while laser welding is done from one side only. The electrodes used in resistance welding require frequent maintenance to remove oxides and adhered metal from the workpiece. Laser welding does not contact the workpiece when joining thin metal lap joints, and the beam can also access areas that are difficult to weld with conventional methods, with a faster welding speed.

Argon Arc Welding

Using non-consumable electrodes and protective gases, commonly used for welding thin workpieces, but the welding speed is slower, and the heat input is much greater than that of laser welding, making deformation more likely.

Plasma Arc Welding

Similar to TIG welding, but its torch produces a compressed arc to increase arc temperature and energy density. It is faster and has greater penetration than TIG welding, but is inferior to laser welding.

Electron Beam Welding

It relies on a beam of accelerated high-energy density electrons impacting the workpiece, generating immense heat in a tiny concentrated area on the surface, creating a "punch-through" effect, and thereby performing deep penetration welding. The main drawback of electron beam welding is the need for a high vacuum environment to prevent electron scattering, which makes the equipment complex. The size and shape of the workpiece are limited by the vacuum chamber, and strict requirements are placed on the assembly quality of the workpiece. Non-vacuum electron beam welding is also possible, but the effect is affected due to poor focusing caused by electron scattering. Electron beam welding also has issues with magnetic deflection and X-rays. Since electrons are charged, they are affected by magnetic deflection, and therefore, the workpieces require degaussing before welding. X-rays are particularly strong under high voltage, necessitating protection for the operators. Laser welding does not require a vacuum chamber or degaussing of the workpiece before welding, allowing it to be performed in air without X-ray protection issues. This makes it suitable for inline operation on production lines and for welding magnetic materials.