Laser filler wire is a welding technology that uses a laser beam to melt and fuse the filler wire to the workpiece. The process is typically used in applications that require precise control of the welding process, such as manufacturing aerospace components or repairing high-value components.
The process usually goes like this:
Preparation work: Clean and correctly position the workpiece to be welded.
Setup: Complete the setup of the laser welding system, including laser beam alignment, power setting adjustment, and filler wire positioning.
Melting: The laser beam is focused on the workpiece, creating a localized hot zone. At the same time, the filling line is fed into the molten pool created by the laser.
Melting: The intense heat of the laser melts the workpiece material and filling lines to form a molten pool. As the laser beam moves along the joint, the filler wire is continuously fed into the molten pool, where it melts with the base material.
Solidification: As welding proceeds, the molten pool solidifies behind the laser beam, forming a continuous welded joint.
The advantages of laser wire filler welding include:
Precision: The laser beam can be precisely controlled, allowing for high-precision and repeatable welding.
Speed: Laser welding can be a high-speed process, especially when automated, resulting in increased productivity.
Minimal Heat Affected Zone (HAZ): Compared with traditional welding methods, laser welding produces minimal heat input, reducing deformation of the workpiece and minimizing the heat affected zone.
Versatility: Laser welding can be used on a variety of materials and thicknesses.
However, there are some considerations:
Equipment Cost: Laser welding equipment is expensive to purchase and maintain.
Skill requirements: Operating a laser welding system requires specialized training and expertise.
Material Compatibility: Although laser welding is versatile, not all materials are suitable for this process.
Overall, laser filler wire welding provides a precise and efficient method for joining metals, especially in applications where high quality and tight tolerances are critical.