Traditional welding methods often produce toxic fumes and dust. In contrast, handheld laser welding machines offer a safer, more precise alternative, making them ideal for industries such as automotive, aerospace, and jewelry manufacturing. This article explores how thick a handheld laser welder from Shiguang Laser can weld and the key factors that affect welding thickness.

What Is Handheld Laser Welding?

Handheld laser welding uses a concentrated laser beam to melt metal and create a joint. Unlike traditional methods, it doesn’t require filler wire or produce significant spatter. Adjustable parameters allow operators to control the weld, reducing heat distortion and increasing accuracy. Most Shiguang Laser machines come with preset configurations for different materials and thicknesses, making operation straightforward even for newcomers.

Factors Affecting Weld Thickness

1. Laser Power

Laser power determines how deeply the beam penetrates the metal. Higher wattage increases penetration but can also expand the heat-affected zone if not balanced with the right speed.

2. Beam Quality

A high-quality beam has uniform energy distribution and a small focal point, which improves weld strength and depth.

3. Focus Position

Positioning the beam above the material increases penetration but risks deforming thin metals. For thin workpieces, focusing just below the surface is best.

4. Scanning Speed

Slower scanning speeds allow deeper welds due to longer heat exposure. Fast speeds are more suitable for thinner materials.

5. Beam Diameter

A narrow beam concentrates energy for shallow welds—ideal for thin materials. A wider beam spreads heat, making it better for deeper welds in thick materials.

Material Considerations

1. Absorption Coefficient

Materials that absorb laser energy well produce deeper welds. Reflective or low-absorption materials may require higher power.

2. Thermal Conductivity

Low conductivity materials retain heat better, enabling deeper welds. High conductivity metals dissipate heat quickly, limiting weld depth.

3. Melting Point

Low melting point metals require less energy and allow for deeper welds. High melting point materials need more laser energy, resulting in shallower penetration.

Maximum Welding Thickness by Power Level (Shiguang Laser)

Examples:

• 300W: Best for ultra-thin stainless steel.
• 600W: Suitable for 1mm thick plates and household applications.
• 1000W: Welds up to 2mm thick with good penetration.
• 1500W: Capable of welding 5mm thick stainless steel.
• 2000W: Delivers up to 8mm weld depth in steel.

Comparison with Traditional Welding Methods

Handheld laser welding from Shiguang Laser is faster, cleaner, and more precise than many conventional methods, although other techniques still dominate when welding very thick materials.

Advantages of Shiguang Laser Handheld Welders

• Portable and Convenient: Easy to move and operate in tight spaces.
• Cleaner Welds: Produces sleek, flat welds with minimal cleanup.
• Lower Emissions: Reduces toxic fume output significantly.
• High-Speed Operation: Welds quickly without compromising quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

How thick can a handheld laser welder weld?

Up to 8mm in stainless steel with a 2000W machine.

What are the limitations of laser welding?

High cost and challenges with reflective metals.

Are handheld laser welders worth it?

Yes. They’re efficient, accurate, and versatile, especially for complex or detailed work.

Conclusion

Shiguang Laser’s handheld welders provide a powerful, portable solution for precision welding. With the ability to weld up to 8mm thick stainless steel, they offer a balance of speed, safety, and performance that traditional methods can’t match. Before use, proper training is essential to ensure safety and quality results.

References

1. The Fabricator. (2023). “Handheld laser welding: Revolutionizing the shop floor.”
2. LinkedIn. (2022). “Understanding laser power in welding applications.”
3. Quora. (2023). “What is the max thickness you can weld using GMAW?”
4. WeldingPros.net. (2023). “Laser Welding vs Traditional Methods: Pros and Cons.”
5. Baison Laser. (2023). “Laser welding machine buying guide.”
6. MachineryNews. (2022). “Why beam quality matters in laser welding.”
7. TechWeld. (2023). “Thermal properties and absorption in laser welding.”