LBW
Laser Beam Welding
LBW – Laser Beam Welding is a joining process in which a laser beam is focused onto the joint to be welded. The laser beam generates localised heating and melts the parent material at the joint. Similar to EBW (see last month’s What the Hec?!), localised heating generates a very narrow weld that produces a small heat-affected zone and minimal distortion. The process is automated, making it ideal for high production rates where high quality and precision welds are required, such as in the automotive and aerospace industries.
No filler metal is required: the melted parent material forms the weld and LBW can be used to weld most metals. However, LBW can be combined with GMAW (see August’s What the Hec?!) in a hybrid process. LBW allows high welding speeds on thin materials or completion of the joint in a single pass when welding thicker materials.
For more information on LBW see:
http://www.uk.trumpf.com/en/products/laser-technology/solutions/applications/laser-welding.html
What the hec?! articles are not intended to be the definitive account on the topic or acronym in question. Readers’ comments and contributions are welcomed. Email: ndtnews@bindt.org
No filler metal is required: the melted parent material forms the weld and LBW can be used to weld most metals. However, LBW can be combined with GMAW (see August’s What the Hec?!) in a hybrid process. LBW allows high welding speeds on thin materials or completion of the joint in a single pass when welding thicker materials.
For more information on LBW see:
http://www.uk.trumpf.com/en/products/laser-technology/solutions/applications/laser-welding.html
What the hec?! articles are not intended to be the definitive account on the topic or acronym in question. Readers’ comments and contributions are welcomed. Email: ndtnews@bindt.org
