Laser-Beam Welding^[1]

Laser-beam welding (LBW) uses a moving high-density coherent optical energy source, called laser, as the source of heat. This article discusses the advantages and limitations of LBW and tabulates energy consumption and efficiency of LBW relative to other selected welding processes. It provides information on the applications of microwelding with pulsed solid-state lasers. The article describes the modes of laser welding such as conduction-mode welding and deep-penetration-mode welding, as well as major independent process variables for laser welding, such as laser-beam power, laser-beam diameter, absorptivity, and traverse speed. It concludes with information on various hazards associated with LBW, including electrical hazards, eye hazards, and chemical hazards.