Laser welding: Extremely precise

Is extreme precision and accuracy important in your project? Do you need to weld many parts quickly? Then laser welding may be a suitable solution.

Laser welding is very careful, precise and efficient. Therefore, projects that have many and complex parts are suitable for laser welding.

At Nordic Steel, we have adopted laser welding, and we have very good results using laser welding as a production method. Now you will learn more about how it works, and when it can be a good solution for you as a customer.

Laser welding is a technology that can be used on many different materials, and can weld extremely quickly and efficiently. The quality is high, and the weld seams are both precise and beautiful.

As a leading center of expertise in steel, Nordic Steel has professionals who design, project and produce all types of steel projects, in close collaboration with our customers. We also have a state-of-the-art machinery park, which we are constantly developing. We have now built up capacity in laser welding, which strengthens both our competitiveness and productivity.

Benefits for you as a customer

For you as a customer, this means more options in terms of production methods and production time. Fiber laser welding can be done quickly and the quality is incredible. Nordic Steel has invested in laser welding precisely because our customers are asking for faster and more cost-effective production methods that also have very high quality.

The most important thing you need to know about laser welding:

• The quality is very high for materials and components that are welded with laser welding.
• Can weld more parts even faster
• Less rework and deformation of the material
• Nordic Steel uses this technology today

In this article we will look at handheld laser welding using fiber lasers. This is the type of laser welding we use at Nordic Steel. How does it actually work, and what are the advantages and challenges? In industry, fiber lasers are becoming increasingly common in welding, because the technology is reliable and has a high operating speed.

Fiber laser welding equipment has many applications, and is used in industries such as marine and offshore, construction, piping, HVAC and healthcare.

At Nordic Steel, we use laser welding, among other things, in the production of advanced components for the Norwegian Ocean Technology Center. The center is one of Norway's largest technology projects and we are building an advanced flow system for them. Ultimately, it will be a world-class system.

How does laser welding work?  

Laser welding is a laser beam welding process that joins metals using a highly concentrated laser beam. The laser beam can be regulated and adapted to the material and the welding process.

During the welding process, the laser beam is guided through an optical system consisting of mirrors or lenses, or both, which focus the beam at the welding point. The beam hits a very small spot, where a high energy density is achieved. Part of the beam is reflected, while the rest is absorbed by the workpiece. The absorbed energy is converted into heat, which melts and bonds the material.

The concentrated energy also creates a very narrow heat-affected zone (HAZ), which means that the material is less affected by the heat from the welding process. The welding area is narrower than with traditional welding methods, and is therefore less susceptible to structural changes through, for example, heat distortion or cracking.

Advantages of using fiber laser welding

We have already mentioned many of the advantages of using laser welding. Here is a more comprehensive overview, with even more advantages listed.

• Laser welding is fast and flexible. Faster welding compared to traditional welding methods
• Faster welding provides greater flexibility in production planning
• Laser welding is very precise and reduces material waste
• Versatile, because the welding method can be used on many different materials and thicknesses
• Deep weld penetration without deformation
• Little rework because smooth and precise weld seams reduce the need for finishing
• Can join different materials
• Easy to automate
• Requires little maintenance
• Can switch between pulsed and continuous welding

Challenges in laser welding

Although laser welding is a modern welding technology with high precision and efficiency, it also has challenges and limitations.

• The equipment and maintenance are expensive
• Laser welding places high demands on the properties and qualities of the material, and is best suited for metals. Materials with high reflectivity can be more challenging to weld, but this is possible with modern fiber laser technology.
• Laser welding is a very sensitive process. Even small amounts of grease, oxide or dust on the surface can reduce the welding quality. Therefore, it is important to carefully clean and pre-treat/cut the material before welding begins.
• It is important to take precautions regarding safety and risk. The laser beam has very high energy and can cause damage to both eyes and skin. Therefore, proper protective equipment, especially safety glasses, is essential.
• Reflection and invisible radiation are a challenge. Laser radiation is difficult to detect. Reflections from shiny surfaces can pose a safety risk

Laser welding in Nordic Steel

At Nordic Steel, we have built a laser-controlled area in one of our welding halls to perform laser welding in a safe and secure manner. Laser welding then takes place in an area that is laser-controlled, and that ensures the quality and safety needed during the work. We have our own welders who weld with fiber lasers.

Nordic Steel has two handheld 3.4kw fiber laser welding machines, which can penetrate materials up to 10 mm.

The high energy density of the beam makes it possible to weld materials with thicknesses of up to 10 mm, depending on the process and parameters. Welding can be performed with or without filler material. Laser welding can join materials of different thicknesses, but is particularly well suited for thinner materials and precision work.

With these systems, Nordic Steel has built up significant capacity in laser welding for Norwegian industry.

Could laser welding be relevant for you and your project? Our professionals will help you evaluate design, materials and production options.

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Sources of academic content: Fanuci & Falcon

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