Laser welding machines mainly use two welding modes: conduction mode welding and keyhole mode welding.
Conduction mode welding
Energy density: low energy density. Energy density is the key factor that determines the welding mode. In conduction mode, the energy delivered to the metal is relatively low.
Heat transfer: it mainly heats the surface of the material to be welded. Heat then conducts from the surface deeper into the material.
Weld characteristics: the weld on the surface is usually larger, and penetration depth is shallow. Energy is concentrated on the surface, and limited energy conducts inward, so deep penetration welding is not possible.
Applications: suitable for cases that do not require high weld depth, use relatively thin materials, and need a small heat-affected zone.
Keyhole mode welding
Energy density: higher energy density. By reducing weld size or increasing laser beam power, the energy density delivered to the material increases greatly.
Heat transfer and welding process: due to high energy density, the material surface is heated to boiling point within microseconds. A large amount of vaporization occurs and forms a small hole or keyhole. This hole is formed by vaporized metal. As the beam moves forward, molten metal fills behind the beam, from the material surface to the bottom of the actual molten area, achieving deeper welding.
Weld characteristics: deeper penetration, relatively narrow weld width, fast welding speed, and a flat weld. Because energy is concentrated, heat effect on surrounding material is small, which helps ensure weld quality.
Applications: mainly for thin-wall materials and precision parts. It can perform spot welding, butt welding, lap welding, seal welding, and other forms. It is widely used where high weld strength, high-temperature performance, and high welding accuracy are required.
The choice between the two modes depends on the amount of power delivered to the substrate and the properties of the material being welded. When power density is low, conduction mode is usually used. When higher energy density is needed for deep penetration welding, keyhole mode is used.
We can machine custom nozzles, fixtures, protective lens holders, and other precision parts for laser welding machines from customer drawings, for single-piece or low-volume production.
Our custom precision component machining capability is not limited to laser welding equipment. Beyond welding nozzles, fixtures, and protective lens holders, we also machine yacht precision components, RC car structural parts, medical device parts, and non-standard parts for food machinery, textile machinery, and tobacco packaging machinery. Hansheng Automation works from customer drawings and production quantities to deliver single-piece or low-volume precision machining.
