LASER is an acronym for "Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation" which produces a sharp focused light beam. In a laser welder this beam is of a certain wavelength that can melt a very small area of metal. The benefit of this technology is that very little heat is generated at the weld point, allowing operators to easily weld 0.25 to 1.0mm away from the most complicated and intricate component parts without damaging heat sensitive materials. The laser welder allows the operator hold parts in their hands while viewing the application through a stereomicroscope in the welding chamber.

The microprossor controlled Laser welding workstation is the latest "state of the art" available. The highly skilled operator can manipulate the joining of metals that were once nearly impossible

Titanium and other Alloys
Laser Welding is ideal for Titanium and of course other metals. No other method is available to join Titanium so easily.Since the introduction of the micro laser welder in 1993, the technology has become widely used and is indispensable for many applications. These include examples such as Dental/ Medical , Eyeglass/Optical and Jewelry .

The laser installed at LASERTEK is a Pulsed Nd:YAG (Yttrium Aluminium Garnet , doped with Neodymium) laser Welding System . .
The characteristics of a laser pulse and thus the effect on the material can be influenced by the operating parameters VOLTAGE , PULSE LENGTH (time) and FOCUS . The voltage has influence on the amplitude; the pulse length influences the width of the laser pulse. Lasers are capable of producing beams with a very small beam width. The minimum beam width of a laser is determined by the apertures focusing lens.
In practice the effect of the parameters are as follows:
  • The voltage first influences the welding depth
  • The pulse length predominantly influences the diameter of the welding point.
  • The focus influences the welding depth as well as the diameter of the welding spot. When increasing the diameter, the welding depth is reduced at the same time.

In the hands of a skilled operator metals join by what seems like magic.
Advantages of Laser Welding
  • No Solder used. More Hygenic, less toxicity.
  • Homogeneous structure with high mechanical strength.
  • Weld is with the parent metal without the introduction of additional metals or alloys thereby eliminating any galvanic effect.
  • Welding is done with little or no heat transfer providing consistent advantages and increasing the versatility of the technology.
  • Small heat affected area eliminates the risk of warping and the weld can be safely positioned.
  • Accuracy of fit is significantly higher than with conventional soldering techniques.
  • Titanium can be laser welded in an argon gas environment providing the ability for more efficient frame repairs incorporating Titanium and its alloys .
  • Laser beam micro-adjusts in width and power output enabling us to weld finer parts and attachments without risk.
  • A laser welded frame will not warp under the influence of heat and is less likely to fracture.
  • More precise fit likely when laser welding.