Handheld laser welding

Jena, Germany—With the acceptance of laser welding in the auto industry it wasn't too long before auto repair shops began to ask about the possibility of handheld lasers for repairs of damaged vehicles. Couple this with a growing interest on the part of die makers wanting a laser that could repair molds and dies and you can understand why Jenoptik Automatisierungstechnik developed a mobile, handheld, 2kW Nd:YAG laser welding and brazing system.

A 1.5kg processing head (see photo) is fiber coupled to the power source and, when guided by hand, moves along the weld seam on small wheels. A stepping motor drives a modular wire feed unit at a speed adapted to the welding speed. A CCD camera in the welding head monitors the weld's process and LEDs illuminate the weld zone.

A microcontroller ensures uniform energy input over the weld distance and a coaxial inert gas supply protects the molten pool from oxidation. Mechanical screening of radiation and sensors ensure operator safety.

Contact the company at [email protected].