Handheld Laser Welding Machine-The Definitive FAQ Guide

The handheld laser welding machine is highly professional production equipment used for different welding kinds of metal materials.

This guide features a lot of general information about handheld laser welding machines.

It answers many common questions, such as what a handheld laser welding machine is, how it works, and its application.

This guide pertains to information on the cost of a handheld laser welding machine, capabilities and features, technical specifications, components, and much more.

Either you are a newbie or an expert after reading this guide, you know all about handheld laser welding machines.

1. What is a handheld laser welding machine?

Modern welding is an innovative mounting technique that is used in all areas. It’s essential to know the entire process.

For example, some of its processes are not as well-known and underused as others.

The laser handheld laser welding machine is equipped with a new generation of fiber lasers and a self-developed wobble welding head.

Handheld laser welding technology has come a long way.

Figure 1, Handheld laser welding machine

This pocket-sized, lightweight machine is perfect for those looking to fill the gap of handheld welding, as it offers a laser welding alternative for small beams and exquisite processing.

Handheld welding equipment is a term used to refer to manually operated laser welding machines.

It’s not just suitable for joining metal pieces together, and it can also create a strong bond between several components and a fiber laser.

The handheld laser welding machine has been around for a while and has many benefits.

Despite its reputation as a complicated process, it can be helpful in many ways.

It can be faster and cheaper than other technologies, and it is also more precise.

Handheld laser welders are often called “portable” machines because these tools can do the same laser welding that an industrial-sized machine would do.

2. What are the features associated with the handheld laser welding machine?

The features that are associated with the handheld laser welding machine are given below.

Figure 2. features of handheld laser welding machine

• It supports multiple languages.
• Multi-function like with or without wire function.
• If the weld is too wide, the solution is as simple as tweaking the laser’s swing amplitude.
• This customization eliminates traditional handheld laser welding’s need for high weld seams.
• A welder can do flexible movement with no experience.
• The handheld welding machine has fast welding speed.
• It can reduce the subsequent grinding process.
• Handheld laser welding machine Provide the small heat-affected and floor area.
• There is no need for a welding workbench.
• It provides High consistent quality as well as high efficiency.
• The handheld laser welding machine has a low replacement cost of accessories.
• This type of welding machine can improve the welding fault tolerance rate.

3. What are the benefits of using a handheld laser welding machine?

Handheld laser welding has many benefits for users.

These include a simple operation, the ability to produce beautiful welds, fast welding speeds, and the absence of consumables.

Furthermore, the welding company welds thin stainless-steel plates, galvanized plates, and iron plates to replace the traditional electric welding process, argon arc welding, and other methods.

The handheld design is an essential part of the production process.

The ergonomic design has a huge impact on its usefulness when it comes to handheld laser welding machines.

The handheld laser welders are suitable for smaller-scale welding or non-large-scale welding. They’re the best pick for workshops that do not need a large machine.

The critical point is that small workshops provide a diverse range of welding products. The products come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

This is why handheld laser welding is the perfect solution.

The new laser welding machine is portable and more affordable.

It uses a handheld welding gun with a laser beam instead of a fixed light path that overturns the traditional work mode.

Handheld laser welding machine gives the benefit of multiple safety alarms and saves the labor cost

4. What is the difference between a handheld laser welding machine and traditional welding?

The differences that are commonly shown between the handheld laser welding machine and traditional welding are given below:

With speeds up to 4x faster than traditional TIG welders, a handheld laser welder like HW-A handheld laser welder allows for more efficient work.

Safety is a top priority when designing features like handheld laser welding machines maximum protect the operator compared to traditional welding.

By using computers to control the process, you can achieve high-precision cutting of various structural components.  Automating the cutting process through CNC results in a lot of time saving and decreases labor costs.

Handheld Laser welding is a type of welding that uses a laser to melt the surfaces of workpieces and join them together.

Figure 3. handheld laser welding machine vs traditional welding

The result is minimal deformation that joins without gaps, but the traditional welding machine has large deformation.

The ratio of depth to width is high. Welding involves high-power devices with a percentage of 5:1, but the balance can be as high as 10:1.

Welding is fast and robust. Weld seams are narrow, eliminating the need for cleaning. The surface is usually in good shape, making the welded line look more beautiful than traditional welding.

Another difference is that handheld Laser welding is non-contact remote welding, but it can only weld thin plates.

The laser process is not enough to penetrate metal thicker than a plate, such as a vehicle chassis, and the frame cannot be welded with laser welding.

5. What are the applications of handheld laser welding machines?

The handheld laser welding machine is mainly used to make significant and medium-sized sheet metal items that are fixed.

This is mainly used for making large workpieces such as cabinets, chassis, doors, and windows made of aluminum or stainless steel, as well as washbasins and other large workpieces

Figure 4. Application of handheld laser welding

It’s commonly applied in the kitchen, bathroom, and appliance industries and the advertising industry, the mold industry, and the stainless-steel industry.

It can also be used in the stainless-steel engineering industry, the door and window industry, and the handicraft industry.

The furniture industry applies stainless steel handheld welding machines for its products too. In the auto parts industry and household goods industry, it’s standard material.

Handheld laser welders have emerged as a viable alternative to electric welders, argon arc welders, and other welding methods.

Portable welding equipment for fillet, angle, edge tailoring, and lap welding.

6. What precautions must you consider while using a handheld laser welding machine?

Some precautions that must consider while using a handheld laser welding machine are given below:

• Before connecting the laser welder to the power supply, you must make sure that you are joining the correct 380V AC voltage.
• If the power supply is disconnected from the laser, it will lead to irreversible damage.
• Please do not operate this laser in a manner not following the control or adjustment methods specified in this manual. If you do, you may cause damage to the laser.
• Staying on top of your output lens is extremely important for protecting your laser. If you neglect to clean it, the laser may become damaged and irreparable.
• When you’re not using the laser, be sure to cover the collimator with the protective cap. Don’t touch the lens at the output end of the machine. Clean the lens if necessary with special lens paper and alcohol.
• If the laser power decreases, the cause may be incorrect use according to established specifications. This does not fall within the warranty range and will not be covered.

7. How much handheld laser welding machine costs?

Commonly, you need pricing information for a handheld laser welder.

There are a lot of different prices out there for these handheld laser welding machines.

You have the option to buy a machine for under $1,000, but some handheld laser welding machines can cost up to $50,000

You will get confused if you look online because there are many different rates for equipment.

If you want accurate results and answers, the best thing is to contact a manufacturer and ask about their rates.

Prices vary depending on the manufacturing process. There is not a median price for machines.

To get a rough idea of how much it costs, a moderate machine would be priced around $8,000 to $15,000.

Laser welding machines are pretty high-tech, but they’re not that difficult to find. With rates starting at $15,000 and going up to $25,000, you can find one with hardly any hassle.

8. What is the role of an auxiliary gas in a handheld laser welding machine?

In laser welding, the presence of auxiliary gas will affect how the welds are formed. It also influences the quality and width of the weld, as well as the depth.

In most cases, blowing gas on a weld will have a positive effect. But it may also cause damage.

It’s best to blow the correct type of gas (Nitrogen, Argon, and Helium) for different welding circumstances.

Fiber lasers have a higher conversion efficiency, which necessitates the use of a smaller chiller. Nd: YAG lasers, on the other hand, have lower energy efficiencies.

Fiber lasers are also faster and offer better penetration properties making them suitable for handling difficult metals. They also last for a longer time.

The only limitation with fiber lasers is the higher initial cost of acquisition. But over the long haul, you will find that running and maintaining fiber lasers is cheaper.

The suitable blowing of auxiliary gas will do a great job protecting the weld pool and even avoid oxidation.

Figure 5. Gas for handheld laser welding

The correct use of auxiliary gas during welding can help reduce spatter generated during the process.

To create a beautiful weld, it is essential to ensure the gas is circulated correctly.

Uniformly blowing gas will keep the weld pool spread out and the shape of the weld more even, giving you a much better result.

When the auxiliary gas is blown correctly, it can help prevent the vapor or plasma from shielding the laser. This allows for more effective lasers to be used.

The correct use of auxiliary gas during welding can help reduce the number of weld pores.

9. What are the parameters of a handheld laser welding machine?

Parameters of handheld laser welding machine:

10. Which industries make the most use of handheld laser welding machines?

Handheld laser welding machines are popular because they have many benefits and can be used in many ways. They are essential for industrial and manufacturing use.

The process of laser welding is a fast, minimally heated process that offers excellent penetration depth. That’s why it is mainly used in industries.

It is popular in the military, aerospace, electronics, research, lab, medical, and petrochemical industries because it does not create high temperatures like other welding methods.

The handheld laser welding machine has many applications in IT, machinery manufacturing, communications equipment, battery manufacturing, crafts, and elevator manufacturing, manufacturing tools for gears, automobile shipbuilding, and other industries.

Most common industries and sectors are

• Assembly and fabrication industry.
• Structural and Construction industries.
• IT and engineering sector.
• Automotive industry etc.

11. What are the types of welding used in handheld laser welding machines?

The types of welding used in handheld laser welding machines are given below:

• MIG welding
• TIG welding
• Light WELD laser welding

MIG welding:

MIG welding is an ideal type when your material is thick and requires full penetration.

It requires a consumable wire, pre-cleaning of the material, and beveled joints.

You are limited in your travel and work, and vertical positions are challenging to achieve.

Figure 6. welding type of handheld laser welding

MIG welding is usually split into two types. The first requires bare wire and the second flux core.

The way to weld metal together is with a bare wire MIG welder, which can join thin pieces of metal.

Another way is flux core MIG welding, which can be used outdoors and does not require a flow meter or gas supply.

TIG Welding:

Tungsten Inert Gas welding is a popular metal joining process that may present some drawbacks, such as extreme heat and difficulty when welding copper or materials of different thicknesses.

Figure 7. different welding types of laser welding

Steel, stainless steel, magnesium, brass, and bronze are just a few of the various alloys that can be welded with a TIG welder.

Light WELD laser welding:

Light WELD is the new way to weld. Presented by IPG laser Group, it is a 1500W air cool fiber laser welding machine, It’s easier to learn, faster, and provides better quality results. But just cost more expensive than a water-cool fiber laser welder.

It also works with more materials and thicknesses than MIG or TIG welding and provides cleaner welds with less distortion, deformation, and burn-through.

Figure 8. IPG lightweld 1500

Light WELD can weld different metals with different thicknesses with ease.

In addition, it creates joints that are both strong and aesthetically pleasing. It also requires minimal or no wire in the process.

12. How to make use of a handheld laser welding machine?

Using of handheld laser welder is not as difficult as it sounds. All you have to do is know what you want and what you will get in return.

The process is relatively easy, just requiring some knowledge and the right equipment.

The first thing to do is turn the engine on. Make sure you connect it to the correct voltage because it could be dangerous or damage the machine if you do not.

Press the emergency stop button and the laser generator button to turn on the screen or interface.

Turn on the laser source and the water cooler/chiller.

Specify the desired thickness of the material, and determine the appropriate power, speed, and mode to cut with an interface.

Grab the laser welder and adjust the nozzle to project a beam.

Make sure that the specifications of your machine are correct by testing it with scrap.

13. What is inside a handheld laser welding machine?

The inside of the handheld laser welding machine is:

• Main engine.
• Handheld laser held of the machine.
• Water cooler chiller.
• Optical fibers.
• The control system.

A handheld laser welder has higher photoelectric conversion effectiveness (> 30%), a more consistent light beam, and an adequate anti-reverse capacity.

A premium chiller, energy-saving, steady efficiency, and the ability to handle the environment. Small in size and able to be easily adapted to manufacturing.

Using a simple hand motion, a portable, oscillating laser head can be adjusted to 1-degree accuracy.

It has a light form and a trustworthy efficiency that is perfect for any use. Along with comfort and ease of use, it is incomparably easy to install by one hand.

14. What are the disadvantages of handheld laser welding machines?

The user should operate the handheld laser welding machine. Holding it for a long time will cause fatigue, and it is not appropriate to weld large-scale parts.

Welding is a tricky process. The welding can quickly become solid, which might mean more work for you to monitor the welded item.

The laser’s focus must be on the workpiece, and both laser beam and workpiece must be at their closest range; otherwise, the machine does not work perfectly.

Thicker metals are more difficult to weld than thinner ones. Metals that are 19mm thick or more might not be appropriately welded and appropriately.

The handheld laser welding machine is thought to be one of the most expensive pieces of equipment in the welding industry.

15. How long handheld laser welding machine lasts?

It’s essential to take care of your laser, so it lasts for ten years or more.

It would be best to keep in mind many factors to use the handheld laser welding machine to work long, as the way of using and electrical requirements.

This device is equipped with a safety protection device and only can be used correctly and safely when grounded. It can protect your safety and lifetime.

If the power access point for your equipment is close to high-power equipment, such as on the power grid, it will have a significant effect on a handheld laser machine.

Voltage fluctuations should not be too significant, and electricity can’t vary more than 5% of the average voltage.

When it’s over 10%, devices may not work right, and their operations will be less stable and can damage the machine early.

16. What is the cost associated with the welding of a handheld laser welding machine?

Are you looking for a handheld laser welding machine? The market is flooded with models, but many are expensive, but the specific device ranging in price from $15,000 to $30,000.

Handheld laser welders are available in the $10,000 range that you can buy from a manufacturer.

Their quality may not be very high, but they are still an option for specific situations.

While it may be cheaper, there may be a downside. It may be less functional and have fewer features. It is also more likely to break or get damaged.

17. Which materials can you weld with a handheld laser welding machine?

• You can weld the frame of doors and windows with a handheld laser welding machine.
• Every kind of hardware lamp can be weld with a handheld laser welding machine.
• Some materials that can also be weld with a handheld laser welding machine are chassis, water tanks, and sheet metal.
• You can also weld as well kitchen, washbasins type of hardware.
• Billboards are also weld with a handheld laser welding machine.
• Materials that can also weld are appliances, advertising, crafts, and furniture; silicon is widely used. It is found in molds, household items, auto parts, and many more products.

18. What capabilities are associated with handheld laser welding machines?

The capabilities that are associated with handheld laser welding machines are given below:

19. What technical specifications are linked with a handheld laser welding machine?

Handheld laser welding machines have a lot of technical specifications that need to be known before purchase.

Understand the basics of laser welding with handheld devices. The most relevant and most impactful technical parameters of these devices are:

20. What configurations are associated with handheld laser welding machine?

Welding is a complex process. Three types of configurations are available when one purchases a handheld laser welding machine.

• Semi-Automatic.

Automatic:

These are very big laser welders. They do not need human interference so that users can breathe a sigh of relief.

Building a loading and unloading station will reduce the time it takes to load and unload goods and increase efficiency profits.

This is a robotized, automated system that utilizes lasers.

You can’t use it for just any sized business, but it offers many benefits for larger-scale industries.

The downside is that it is much more costly than other methods.

Semi-Automatic:

Semi-automatic laser welding machines are convenient for people who don’t want to spend hours on their feet.

The controller starts the process by loading pieces into the fixture.

These large machines are more than just hand welding tools.

They can improve the production for medium and large-sized industries with their rotating platforms.

Manual:

These machines require considerable skill and maintenance. They are not as easy to use as semi-automatic and automatic machines.

The operator has the responsibility of guiding the sequence of welding parts. It is most effective for producing trim levels of production.