FAQ - Laser Welding, Engraving, Cutting and Marking

Laser Welders:

1.1 How long will it take me to learn to use a manual laser welder?

Manual laser welders are very easy to use, within a few minutes most people can do some basic jobs i.e. closing jump rings and simple repairs.

1.2 What metals can a laser weld?

Golds, Platinum, Titanium, Stainless Steel, Silver, base metals and many complex alloys.

1.3 How close can you laser weld next to heat sensitive materials?

Most laser welders can weld 0.1mm next to a heat sensitive material, such as Opal.

1.4 Can I really hold jobs in my hands whilst laser welding?

Yes, the heat from a laser is very controlled and localised. If you miss and hit your finger, it will feel like a tiny pin prick, your skin does not absorb all the laser power, unlike metals.

1.5 How do I use a manual laser welder?

You hold the piece in your bare hands, then look through a microscope and move the piece so the cross hairs are where you want to weld, then press a foot peddle to fire the laser and make the weld.

1.6 What applications is a laser often used for?

Laser Welders are often used by Jewellery workshops, Dental Labs, Medical Device manufacture, Tool & Die repairs, Precision industrial manufacturing and Research and Development.

1.7 Can I build an area up using a laser welder?

Yes, by using a filler wire that matches as close as possible to the metal you are welding.

1.8 Do I need to use solders with a laser welder?

No, with laser welding you can melt the native metal, no need to add weaker solders or flux, this also means cleaner welds.

1.9 How strong is a laser weld?

A laser weld should be approximately 260% stronger than a solder join.

1.10 What ongoing maintenance is required?

It is advisable to change the cooling water once a year and water filter. Cost of maintenance can be less than $500/yr.

1.11 How deep can a laser weld?

This depends on the peak power of your laser, but most of our laser welders will easily weld a depth of more than 5mm.

Laser Engravers & Cutters:

2.1 There is a very good FAQ section on our suppliers website, http://www.laserproi.com/engr_faq.php#14

2.2 What is the difference between a CO2 laser and a fibre laser?

A CO2 laser has a wavelength of 10.6um, whereas a Fibre Laser has a wavelength of 1064nm. Different wavelengths work better on different materials e.g. a CO2 laser is perfect for Acrylic, Wood, Glass, Cork, Anodised Metal, Fabric and Rubber, whereas a Fibre Laser is for directly marking all metals and plastic.

2.3 Can a CO2 laser be used for marking metals?

Yes, but only if you coat the metal first with a laser spray e.g. Cermark. A Fibre Laser does not require Cermark.

Laser Markers:

3.1 What is the difference between a flatbed laser marker and a Galvo laser marker?

A flatbed laser marker uses motorised belts to move the laser head in X and Y to mark the image you require. Flatbeds are often lower cost than galvo lasers, and generally have larger marking areas. A galvo laser marker uses high speed mirrors to steer the laser beam, they are very fast and ideal when short cycle times and high quality markings are required. Galvo lasers are available in Class1 enclosures, or can be integrated onto existing production equipment.

3.2 What materials can a fibre laser or Nd:YAG laser mark?

They can directly mark all metals and most plastics.

3.3 What do the laser Classifications mean?

In simple terms Class1 means an enclosed laser that is as safe as a DVD player, a Class4 laser means a high power open laser that requires certain safety considerations e.g. the use of laser safety glasses. For a more detailed explanation of laser safety classifications please see our laser article http://www.m2lasers.com.au/laser-welding-australia.asp

3.4 What maintenance is required?

All our laser markers are air cooled, so there is no maintenance required.

3.5 What is the benefit of having a laser marker with a higher output power?\

In general the more power you have the faster you can laser mark. However higher power lasers typically have a larger spot size, reducing the quality of the laser marking. It is a case of selecting the right power for your application. Call us for more advise on this.

3.6 What is the largest area a Galvo laser can mark?

It depends on the f-theta lens used. Most of our laser markers have the option of 110mmx110mm, 180mmx180mm and 240mmx240mm. However with the use of motion systems it is possible to mark larger continuous areas.