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Laser Machine Welding by
Peter Vermeeren
Laser machine welding is the joining of two
pieces of material, usually metal, but often
these days plastics, using a laser beam. A laser
is a single phase, or coherent beam of light
often seen in science fiction movies, but the
development of the laser beam and its
application in laser machine welding allows for
advancements in precision welding using this
high-energy device, which creates heat when it
strikes a surface. Laser machine welding is used
for steam tracing and inspection, for surface
heat treating, cutting with heat and other
precision applications.
The laser, which stands for light amphlication
by stimulated emission of radiation, emits
photons in a narrow beam. Laser light usually in
monochromatic, meaning that it emits light of a
single wavelength. Common light emits incoherent
light, which goes in all directions over the
spectrum. The first working laser was developed
by Hughes labs in 1960, but was descended from
work done by Albert Einstein in 1916. However,
the laser itself is such a recent development
that the use of laser machine welding is a
fairly recent technological innovation.
Lasers have found applications in many areas
since their invention. Modern medicine utilizes
lasers for surgery, having realized the ability
to perform less invasive surgical procedures
than in the past. Also the fine and precise
nature of lasers has led surgeons to use them
for such delicate operations as eye surgery. In
common practice many people today use laser
pointers, especially in the classroom. Marksmen
use laser sights on rifles. Computer users use
laser printers for output rather than
old-fashioned methods, and lasers are used for
motion detection and security, among many dozens
if not hundreds of other applications. Lasers
are even used in children’s toys, office
photocopiers and in the devices used to lock and
unlock car doors. As technology improved lasers
worked their way into all aspects of life and it
was only natural that applications of lasers to
welding technology would occur. The end result
of this has been the creation of the laser
machine-welding specialty, taking its place next
to Mig, Tig, Arc and other welding methods.
Uses of laser machine welding are becoming
commonplace in the computer and consumer
electronics industry, in space and aircraft
technology and with defense contractors. Laser
machine welding is often used because it can be
much more precise than other welding methods.
Laser machine welding is often used for micro
welds of hyper small dimensions that
conventional welding methods could never touch.
Laser machine welding is often used in jewelry
manufacturing, engraving, in dentistry, and in
the tool and die industry where precision is
demanded. Laser machine welding is on the
cutting edge of technology, and welders trained
to use laser machine welding are some of the
brightest and most talented welders in the
industry.
Laser machine welding has also found a home in
the highly technical and precise welding needs
of plastic welding. While plastic welding is
often done with ultrasonic welders, many times
laser machine welding is the preferred method.
Peter Vermeeren is the owner and webmaster of:
http://www.machine-and-tool.com - http://www.kamikaze-portal.com
and http://www.airsoft-got.es
Article Source: http://www.upublish.info
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