Laserwelded

Laserwelded describes components or joints produced by laser welding, a process that uses a highly focused laser beam to join workpieces by melting material at the interface. The term emphasizes the method used to join, rather than the base materials. Laser welding can produce deep, narrow welds with a relatively small heat-affected zone, which helps preserve surrounding properties.

Two common regimes are keyhole (penetration) welding and conduction-mode welding. In keyhole welding, high power density creates an internal vapor cavity that allows deep penetration. In conduction welding, heat spreads into the melt pool more evenly with lower power, resulting in broader, shallower welds. Modern systems rely on fiber or disk lasers and often require shielding gas and precise joint fit-up. Automated or robotic systems enable high repeatability.

Materials and applications: Laserwelded joints are used on a wide range of metals, including stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, titanium, and nickel alloys. Copper and zinc-based alloys can be more challenging due to reflectivity and melting behavior. Typical joints include butt, lap, and socket welds, on thin foils to multi-millimeter plates. Micro-welding allows joining of electronics and medical components.

Advantages and limitations: Advantages include high precision, minimal distortion, strong welds with little or no filler material, speed, and suitability for automation. Limitations include high equipment costs, sensitivity to joint fit-up and contamination, difficulties with reflective or highly absorptive materials, and the need for controlled shielding and ventilation to manage fumes and ozone.

Quality and inspection: Welds are assessed by visual inspection and nondestructive testing techniques such as X-ray, ultrasonic testing, or dye penetrant testing to detect porosity, cracks, or incomplete fusion. History: Laser welding matured from early demonstrations in the 1960s to widespread industrial use in the late 20th century, with fiber lasers driving most modern systems.