Because of your expertise, you’ve been tasked with joining two metals that have very different properties. Which welding technique should you use, laser or percussion?
This should serve as a refresher so that you can make an informed decision.
Laser Welding
Laser welding uses a high-powered beam to melt and join metals together. The laser beam focuses on a small area, which creates a high-intensity source of heat that melts the metals. The resulting mix solidifies to create a strong bond.
Advantages:
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- Laser welding is a non-contact process which reduces the risk of contamination or distortion, making it ideal for applications where cleanliness is essential.
- The narrow heat-affected zone produced by laser welding minimizes the risk of thermal damage to the surrounding area, ensuring high-quality welds with minimal distortion.
- Laser welding is highly precise and can weld small and intricate parts with relative ease, making it an ideal choice for applications where precision is critical..
Other Factors to Consider:
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- Requires highly skilled operators.
- Not for all types of metals, including those with high reflectivity.
Percussion Welding
Percussion welding is a fast, efficient, and versatile process for welding different types of metals. It involves creating an electrical arc between the two pieces to be joined, which generates high-temperature heat that melts the materials. The materials are then thrust together in the percussive phase, creating a full bond between them with minimal distortion and a small heat-affected zone.
Advantages:
- Can be a more cost-effective option than laser welding equipment due to the simplicity of the equipment and the low maintenance required.
- Joins dissimilar materials with different melting points, making it a versatile option for a range of welding applications.
- Can be used on metals with high reflectivity, such as aluminum and copper, which are difficult to weld using other processes.
- Reliable high-quality welds due to the percussive force that creates a strong bond between the metals and no introduction of filler material.
- Produces minimal distortion; this makes it a sound option for precision welding applications, especially when dealing with delicate components or dissimilar materials.
Other Factors to Consider:
- Requires a clean and flat surface to ensure a good bond..
Which One Should be Used for Dissimilar Metals?
The best technique depends on the specific metals being joined, the desired result, and the available budget.
Consider these factors before your next welding project:
- Melting point of the joined metals
- Metal reflectivity
- Size and complexity of the parts being joined
- Details regarding the precision and quality of the weld
- Budget for equipment and maintenance
There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Both laser welding and percussion welding have advantages, which is why the best technique depends on the particulars of your project. When choosing a welding technique, consider the melting point, reflectivity, size, complexity, precision, and budget.
Contact us today to discuss your specific application.