Laser welding is considered the fastest, strongest, and most efficient laser welding technology to date.
But for a top-notch performance, this technology requires a first-class laser welding machine. A world-class machine is one that supports automation, consumes energy efficiently, and welds reliably in complex and high-volume production.
In this article, we discuss how to choose the right laser welding machine suppliers to help you acquire a superior machine for your production needs.
Understanding Supplier Strength and Reliability
A capable machine supplier ensures that your production demands are met. By “capable”, this means that it can produce robust, precise, and well-engineered laser welding machines.
Hence, it is vital to assess a supplier’s capability prior to acquiring a machine. Failure to do so might mean a subpar machine that cannot meet production requirements.
The first thing to consider is the supplier’s ability to produce sufficient numbers of machines that can meet your production volume. This also covers their capability to scale up their production in response to an increased demand without compromising their machines.
A typical indicator of a supplier’s strength is its workforce. Assess if they have sufficient manpower to deliver high-quality machines without delay. Check as well if they have laser industry experts and engineers who will ensure the integrity of the laser welding machine.
Track record is also an important factor of consideration. Look for suppliers with a proven track record in the laser welding industry. This not only means a track record of producing great machines, but also how they handle warranties, servicing, and complex issues.
Evaluating Machine Quality Beyond Price
Once you check the machine’s producer, it is time to assess the quality of the machine itself. Oftentimes, people assume that a high-cost machine guarantees better quality. But price is not a reliable metric of the machine’s potential.
To effectively evaluate a machine’s quality, remember DAMP.
Durability: The machine must withstand daily wear and stress over time. One way to check this is to inspect the machine’s parts. For instance, the machine’s bearings and moving parts must be made from materials that can endure friction (e.g., stainless steel, phosphor bronze, aluminum),
Alloy Quality: The machine must come with superior alloy materials to ensure its longevity. For example, the use of stainless steel alloys can provide superior strength and toughness. This is crucial in high-volume and complex applications where mechanical failure could lead to operational setbacks.
Maintenance Needs: Check the ease and frequency of maintenance required to keep the machine in optimal condition. To do this, examine the user manuals provided by the manufacturer and read the recommended maintenance schedules, procedures, and specific tasks required for the machine’s upkeep. It is ideal to choose a machine that requires little regular maintenance.
Precision: Invest in a machine that welds in your desired area with absolute precision. Precise laser welding produces a minimal heat-affected zone (HAZ) that prevents thermal distortion or damage in the workpieces. This results in a stronger and more polished weld area.
Key Features to Prioritize in Laser Welding Machines
The necessary features of a laser welding machine boil down to your production needs. But we can nail down the most essential features into four below.
Laser Type
In laser welding, the laser beam can be continuous or pulsed. A continuous laser emits a constant beam of light that is uninterrupted over time. Due to its consistent and stable heat source, continuous lasers are often applied in automotive and aerospace industries, where precision and speed are vital.
Meanwhile, a pulsed laser delivers energy in short, high-intensity bursts rather than a continuous output. This can create concentrated heat on the material in controlled and precise pulses. For this reason, this type of laser welding is often applied in the manufacturing of electronic and medical devices, where precise and clean welds are vital.
Laser Power
Measured in watts, laser power is the rate at which the machine penetrates and welds a specific area. Higher power means faster penetration of workpieces, both thick and thin ones. For instance, a Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd:YAG) laser welding machine with a power of 300W can effectively weld 3 to 5 millimeters of thick stainless steel plates.
Cooling Systems
In air-cooled lasers, the ambient air dissipates heat, which makes the machine simpler and more lightweight. However, they often struggle to maintain optimal performance during extended use or in high-power applications. In contrast, water-cooled lasers have a dedicated cooling system that effectively manages heat for consistent output and higher power levels without overheating.
Balancing Cost and Value in Supplier Selection
Acquisition of a laser welding machine entails a significant monetary cost. For this reason, many manufacturers opt for machines with the lowest price in hopes of saving money.
But oftentimes, low-cost laser welding machines have “hidden costs”. For instance, they might be made of subpar materials that result in their frequent downtime or malfunctioning. This forces you to spend funds on repairs or replacement, which drives up your overall expenses.
Hence, it is recommended to opt for wholesale laser welding machine suppliers that produce high-quality and high-performing laser welding machines. A top-quality machine can work quickly, even in high-volume production lines. This reduces your turnaround time as well as reduces your overall production costs and leads to a higher return on investment.
Post-Sale Support and Service Considerations
Another important consideration is the supplier’s post-sale support and service. Choose suppliers that provide fair and comprehensive warranty and maintenance coverage. You must be able to count on your supplier in case you need spare parts, upgrades, or repairs to ensure the continuous operation of your machine.
Acquire a Top-notch Laser Welding Machine From A Reputable Laser Welding Machine Supplier
With the right machine supplier, you can augment a reliable, value-adding, and cost-efficient laser welding machine to your production arsenal. It is indeed a challenging task to pick the best supplier, but by focusing on the key considerations such as their reputation, strength, and product quality, you can easily spot the precious needle in a haystack.
But look no further. Denaliweld is a leading supplier of world-class laser welding machines worldwide. Based in Chicago, USA, we offer superior CE/SGS/WPQR-certified laser welders with impressive speed, unmatched precision, and innovative automated features.
