Laser handheld welding, as an efficient and flexible welding method, is playing an increasingly important role in modern manufacturing. It is not only capable of welding various materials such as stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, copper, etc., but also widely used in various fields such as automobile manufacturing, aerospace, electronics industry, medical equipment, and metal processing. This article will provide a detailed introduction to the usage of laser handheld welding to help readers better master this technology.

1、 Preparation work

Before using laser handheld welding, it is necessary to ensure that the welding equipment is in normal working condition. This includes key components such as lasers, optical systems, control systems, and protective gas supply systems. Check if the water cooling system is unobstructed to ensure that the laser can dissipate heat normally and avoid damage due to overheating. At the same time, it should be ensured that supporting facilities such as power lines, water circulation systems, and gas supply are connected and can be used normally.

2、 Material preparation and clamping

Before welding, it is necessary to thoroughly clean the welding area to remove impurities such as oil stains, rust, and oxide layers. These impurities can affect the welding quality and even lead to welding failure. After cleaning, fix the workpiece on a precision worktable to ensure that it does not move during the welding process. The fixing method of the workpiece should be selected according to its shape and size, ensuring both stability and ease of operation.

3、 Parameter settings

The parameter setting of laser handheld welding is the key to ensuring welding quality. According to the type, thickness, and welding requirements of the material, set reasonable parameters such as laser power, welding speed, focal position, shielding gas type, and flow rate. Different materials have different absorption and thermal conductivity of lasers, so parameter settings require some experience. During initial use, parameters can be adjusted through trial welding to achieve the best welding effect.

4、 Equipment operation and welding mode

Laser handheld welding equipment typically has multiple welding modes, including wire free welding, cutting mode, and cleaning mode. The following are the operating methods for different modes:

1. Non threaded welding:

Unthreaded welding is the most common welding mode. After starting the device, set welding parameters such as scanning speed, scanning width, and peak power by controlling the display screen. Adjust the focal position of the laser beam so that it is located on the surface of the workpiece or slightly sunken on the surface of the workpiece. Then, turn on the laser, adjust all parameters, and start welding. During the operation, keep the laser beam stable and move the workpiece or laser head along the predetermined trajectory. Observe the welding process through a camera monitoring system to ensure welding quality.

2. Cutting mode:

The cutting mode requires setting the scanning width to 0, so that the red light forms a dot. Due to the possibility that the red light may not be at the center point, it is necessary to open the settings interface, find the laser center offset, and make adjustments. After the adjustment is completed, take a small section of masking paper and stick it onto the cutting nozzle, observing whether the red light is at the center point. If there is a deviation, the laser center offset can be adjusted again. After finding the center point, adjust the focus point and remove the masking paper again for a second red light center offset check. After the adjustment is completed, replace the protective gas with the high-pressure gas required for cutting. Turn on the laser and start cutting. After cutting is completed, turn off the laser and replace it with regular welding shielding gas.

3. Cleaning mode:

The cleaning mode is mainly used to clean impurities on the welding gun and lens. In cleaning mode, it is necessary to turn off the startup and power, and then disassemble the front end of the gun head. After disassembly, cleaning can be carried out. After cleaning, reinstall the gun head, turn on the power and start the device to restore normal use.

5、 Security protection

The safety protection during laser handheld welding operation is crucial. Due to the powerful energy of laser beams, if not protected, they may cause serious damage to the eyes and skin. Therefore, during the operation, it is necessary to wear protective equipment such as goggles and gloves to protect the eyes and skin from laser radiation damage. At the same time, safety warning signs should be set up in the operation area to prevent other personnel from entering by mistake.

6、 Maintenance and upkeep

The maintenance and upkeep of laser handheld welding equipment are key to ensuring its long-term stable operation. Regularly inspect various components of the equipment, such as lasers, optical systems, control systems, and protective gas supply systems, to ensure that they are in normal working condition. When cleaning lenses, specialized cleaning agents and tools should be used to avoid scratching or damaging the lenses. Meanwhile, consumables such as protective lenses and focusing lenses should be replaced regularly.

7、 Common problems and solutions

During the process of using laser handheld welding, some common problems may be encountered, such as poor welding quality, equipment failure, etc. The following measures can be taken to address these issues:

1. Poor welding quality:

Poor welding quality may be caused by improper parameter settings, incomplete material cleaning, or lens contamination. This can be solved by adjusting parameters, cleaning materials again, and replacing lenses.

2. Equipment malfunction:

Equipment failures may be caused by power issues, control system failures, or laser malfunctions. When a malfunction occurs, the first thing to check is whether the power supply and control system are working properly, and then check whether the laser is damaged. If it cannot be resolved on its own, it is necessary to promptly contact the equipment manufacturer or maintenance service provider for repair.

8、 Practical application cases

In the field of automobile manufacturing, laser handheld welding is widely used for welding automotive parts and bodies. Due to the wide variety and complex shapes of automotive components, there are extremely high requirements for welding quality and production efficiency. Laser handheld welding, with its high efficiency and flexibility, can meet these requirements. For example, when welding car bodies, laser handheld welding can achieve fast and precise welding, improving the strength and sealing of the body.

In the aerospace field, laser handheld welding also plays an important role. Aerospace vehicles have extremely high requirements for welding quality and need to withstand extreme environmental conditions. Laser handheld welding can achieve welding of high-strength and high toughness materials, improving the performance and safety of aircraft.

epilogue

Laser handheld welding, as an efficient and flexible welding method, has broad application prospects in modern manufacturing industry. By mastering its usage, this technology can be better utilized to improve production efficiency and product quality. At the same time, strengthening safety protection and equipment maintenance are also key to ensuring the long-term stable operation of laser handheld welding. I hope this article can provide readers with useful information and guidance to help them better master the usage skills of laser handheld welding.