Type of laser
Posted by： Hangao Time：5/23/2025 9:51:43 AM
The laser generator in a laser pipe welder is the core of laser welding. Gas lasers (CO2), solid-state lasers, and fiber lasers each have their strengths and weaknesses.
Gas lasers have advantages: high beam quality, mature technology, and relatively low cost. Disadvantages: high reflectivity to metals, lower welding/cutting efficiency than fiber lasers, large size, complex optical path (requires reflectors), and high maintenance costs (requires gas replacement and optical path adjustment). In the early days of domestic laser welding, Jiuli purchased imported laser pipe welding lines equipped with CO2 laser welders. Representative manufacturers include ROFIN of Germany, which was acquired by Coherent of the United States in 2016.
Solid-state lasers (such as Nd:YAG) have advantages: suitable for metal welding, high weld quality, mature technology, and widespread application. Disadvantages: significant heat dissipation issues, low laser conversion efficiency (2-5%), and lower laser power than fiber lasers.
Disk lasers are also a type of solid-state laser. The disc-shaped design solves the heat dissipation issues of solid-state lasers, resulting in high-quality welds with minimal spatter and porosity. However, compared to fiber lasers, they are more expensive and have a more complex system. Representative manufacturers include TRUMPF of Germany.
Fiber lasers are currently a commonly used laser. Their advantages include high beam quality, long life, and compact size, making them particularly suitable for stainless steel welding and cutting. Their disadvantages include the risk of reflection from highly reflective materials (such as copper) and poor processing performance for certain non-metallic materials. Representative manufacturers include IPG Photonics in the United States and Wuhan Raycus Laser.
Henkel's laser tube welders use the laser from Wuhan Raycus. Its dual-ring welding design features a central ring that concentrates welding energy while the outer ring removes spatter, resulting in high-quality welds.
