It might be hard to believe, but there was a time when all welding was done by hand. Technicians would heat metal until it was molten, then use a handheld torch to join pieces together. While this method is still used in some applications, modern welding methods have largely replaced it.
Let’s take a look at two of the most common types of welders: laser welders and arc (tig) welders. We’ll compare and contrast the two techniques, and discuss the pros and cons to give you a good understanding of which type of welder is right for you.
What is Arc (TIG) Welding?
Arc welding, also known as TIG welding, is a type of welding that uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to produce the weld. The weld is created by heating the workpiece metal to its melting point with the electrode and then using the electrode to deposit the molten metal into the joint.
On the plus side, arc welding is very versatile and can be used on various materials, including aluminum, stainless steel, and even cast iron. Additionally, arc welds typically create very strong, high-quality welds. And because there is no smoke or fumes produced during welding, it’s a much safer process overall.
On the downside, however, arc welding can be more difficult to master than other types of welding. It also requires special equipment that can be expensive to purchase or rent. Plus, because the technique creates such high heat, there is a risk of burns if you’re not careful.
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What is Layer Welding?
Laser welding is a type of welding that uses a laser to fuse materials together. A laser beam is focused on the joint between two pieces of material, melting and fusing the metal.
Laser welding is often used for precision welding applications because it can produce joints with very high levels of accuracy and repeatability. It can also be used to weld difficult-to-weld materials, such as aluminum or stainless steel. Additionally, laser welding produces little heat distortion in the welded parts, making it a good choice for applications requiring tight tolerances.
There are also some disadvantages of laser welding. First, it requires expensive equipment that can be difficult to operate. Additionally, laser welding produces a lot of heat, which can be dangerous if you’re not careful.
Is Laser Welding Better Than Arc (Tig) Welding?
Laser welding is a popular choice for many manufacturing applications because it offers a number of advantages over traditional welding processes, like TIG welding. Laser welds are often more precise and have narrower heat-affected zones than TIG welds, which can lead to less warping and distortion in the finished product. In addition, laser welding is generally faster than TIG welding, so it can help speed up your manufacturing process.
Another advantage is that laser welds can be very precise. This is because the beam produced by the laser can be focused very precisely onto the desired spot. This means that there is less potential for damage to the surrounding area, and also those delicate components can be welded without fear of damage.
Laser welding can also be used on a variety of different materials. This includes metals, plastics, and even glass. TIG welding, on the other hand, is generally restricted to metals. It is also a very fast process. This means that production times can be reduced, and overall costs can be lower. It is also much cleaner than other methods, as there is no need for filler materials or gas.
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Should You Go for Laser Welding?
Absolutely! Here are four great reasons to choose laser welding:
- Precision – When it comes to welding, precision is key. And there is no other welding method that can match the level of precision offered by laser welding. This is because laser welds are created by focusing a high-powered laser beam onto the workpiece. This allows for much more control over the weld than other methods, such as arc welding.
- Speed – This method can be up to 10 times faster than arc welding, which means less time spent on each project. Additionally, because there are no physical contacts between the weld and the workpiece, there is no chance of damaging the workpiece during the welding process.
- Strength – Laser welds are also much stronger than those created with other methods. This is due to the fact that the laser beam penetrates deep into the metal, creating a stronger bond.
- Versatility – Laser welding can be used on a variety of materials, including metals, plastics, and even glass. Additionally, laser welding can be used to create both small and large welds.
Of course, the type of welding you choose will depend on several factors, including the materials you are working with, the thickness of those materials, the desired strength of the weld, and the aesthetics you are going for. The best way to determine which type of welding is right for your needs is to consult with a qualified welder or metal fabricator who can assess your specific situation and make a recommendation based on their expertise.
At Laser Weld Creation, we provide top-of-the-line laser welding services that will give you the best results for your project. We have highly experienced welders who are passionate about their work and pride in providing our clients quality services. Schedule your appointment today to get started on your next project!
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