Today, laser beam welding has become a preferred welding method for almost every modern manufacturing and construction industry in India. Laser welding refers to using a concentrated source of heat or laser to melt the welding materials that fuse together while they cool down.
A prime reason to use a laser weld is that it can easily weld thin materials even at rapid weld speeds and can run deep and narrow welds for various thick materials. On the other hand, many reputed companies have started supplying a variety of laser welding wires to meet the welding requirements of diverse industries. The blog post will explore a few popular types of laser beam-based weld wires supplied by Castron Electrode and their applications.
Types and Applications of Laser Welding Wires
- H13 Laser Welding Wires and their Applications
An H13 Laser Welding Wire is a specially designed welding wire used mainly for laser welding. These wires consist of 5% chrome alloy and are free from tungsten to fit perfectly for the following applications-
Repair and Reclaim Hot Steel-based Tools
H13 weld wires are available as dies and tools mainly for forging, casting, and other processes that demand a relatively high temperature.
Overlay Die-cast Components
These laser welding wires can overlay zinc, aluminum, and magnesium die-cast components, making them ideal options for protecting and strengthening the respective materials.
Create Wear-resistant Coats
These weld wires may apply coatings to provide an outstanding resistance to erosion, abrasion, and corrosion.
Build Up Damaged or Worn Parts
H13 welding wires are perfect for restoring the original functions and dimensions of various damaged or worn machinery parts.
- P20 Laser Welding Wires and their Applications
P20 laser welding wires are also modified, and high-quality tool steel weld wires are designed mainly for diverse weld applications. Typical applications of these weld wires are-
Military Equipment
For repairing and welding sensitive components in vehicles, weapon systems, and other equipment
Aircraft Components
To repair holes, cracks, and worn areas in landing gear, structural elements, engine components, and other related parts.
Transmission Components
P20 weld wires are perfect for repairing and welding shafts, gears, and related critical components.
Engine Blocks
These wires can repair defects and cracks in engine blocks to achieve optimum performance and the highest durability.
Medical Devices
P20 weld wires can modify or repair surgical tools for longevity and precision. Also, these weld wires are perfect to create custom implants for all patients who have specific requirements.
Mold and Die Repairs/Restoration
These wires are perfect for restoring cracks, defects, and worn or damaged mold cavities, ensuring consistent production and forming metallic parts.
General Industrial Applications
P20 laser welding wire is perfect for repairing and modifying parts in diverse industrial machinery.
- EN 31 Laser Welding Wires and their Applications
EN 31 laser welding wires are general-purpose steel-based tools. These are perfect for several laser welding applications, like-
- Tools for taps and pipes to create threads in their holes
- Gauges and likewise instruments to measure their dimensions
- In various components of an ejector pin to push out the mold parts
- Tools for swaging dies to create metals in their required shapes
- Components of roll bearings to avoid or reduce friction in rotating machines
- SKD 11 and D2 Steel Laser Welds and their Specific Applications
SKD11 and D2 laser welds are high-chromium and high-carbon tool steels known popularly for their outstanding abrasion and wear resistance. The properties of these welds make it perfect for several laser welding applications. These include the following-
- Welding of pistons, cylinder heads, and other engine components
- Repairing shafts, gears, and many more transmission components
- Welding of suspension and control arms with other related components
Other than that, SKD 11 and D2 laser welds are used to repair damages/cracks in turbine blades or frames and to weld aircraft engine components. Moreover, in precision or measuring instruments, many industries use these wires to weld or modify fixtures, gauges, and jigs.
- Aluminum Laser Welding Wire and their Applications
Aluminum is a lightweight, corrosion-resistant metal commonly used in aerospace, automotive, and electronics industries. When laser welding aluminum, using a wire that can effectively melt and blend with the base metal is essential. Here are some applications:
- Joining aluminum components for aircraft structures, such as fuselage panels, wings, and landing gear.
- Welding aluminum parts for vehicle frames, engine blocks, and body panels.
- Connecting aluminum components in electronic devices, such as heat sinks and enclosures.
- Joining aluminum beams and panels for building structures.
- Titanium Laser Welding Wires and their Applications
Titanium is a strong, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant metal often used in aerospace, medical, and industrial applications. Due to its high melting point and reactivity, titanium requires specialized welding techniques and wire. Here are some common applications:
- Joining titanium components for aircraft structures, such as turbine blades, engine casings, and fasteners.
- Welding titanium implants, such as hip and knee replacements.
- Joining titanium components in chemical processing equipment and marine applications.
- Copper Laser Welding Wires and their Applications
Copper is a highly conductive metal used in electrical, electronic, and industrial applications. Laser welding copper can be challenging due to its high thermal conductivity and reflectivity. Here are some common applications:
- Connecting copper conductors in electrical cables, transformers, and switchgear.
- Connecting copper components in printed circuit boards (PCBs) and electronic assemblies.
- Joining copper pipes and fittings in plumbing and HVAC systems.
Conclusion
Laser welding wires use high-precision laser beams to achieve the highest possible precision and accuracy in the welding process. Moreover, these wires lead to low thermal distortion when welding even sensitive materials. Therefore, laser weld wires have found their wide applications in almost every modern industry today.
