Laser-based inspection for laser welding: Two lasers for tube and pipe productionNew developments in laser-based inspection systems offer tube and pipe mills real-time inspection of laser-welded seams. These systems can help to shorten setup time, improve weld quality, and reduce scrap.
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Wading through the world of welding: Recent tradeshows highlight latest technologiesTwo big tradeshows, Schweissen & Schneiden (Essen, Germany) and the FABTECH® International/AWS Welding Show (Chicago) highlighted several of the trends that have emerged in the welding industry during the last couple of years. Senior Editor Eric Lundin reviews many of the recent developments in arc and laser welding, and the growing use of another joining technology, adhesive bonding.
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It takes two, baby: Hybrid laser welding processes make strides in manufacturingHybrid laser-arc welding has been around for a while, but only recently has it gained steam, with more industries turning to the technology for a faster way to make components lighter with less heat input and minimal distortion while still maintaining part tolerance.
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Laser welding in Singapore: Manufacturer exploresPrototyping parts for projects with shorter lead times and meeting the automotive industry's mass production needs were two large goals for Amtek more than a year ago. Amtek turned to laser welding to meet its goals.
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Keys to success in laser welding: What every laser user needs to knowAlthough a firm grasp of laser physics, metallurgy, tooling and fixturing, weld process parameters, and part strength testing is necessary to implement laser technology in any manufacturing facility, it's also critical to think of other issues that will impact the success of your laser use. Some keys to a successful laser project include involving production personnel early in the process, choosing a laser technology advocate, considering your shop's ambient environment, using trained operators and maintenance personnel, and planning for spare parts and maintenance.
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A new way to weld sheet metal: Remote laser welding replaces spot welding in microwave oven fabricationNu-Way Industries Inc., Des Plaines, Ill., learned that remote laser welding demonstrates impressive advantages over traditional resistance and arc welding for its applications.
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Laser welding, structural adhesive bonding, for body-in-white assembly: Competing or complementary joining methods?Which joining processes--laser welding, brazing, or adhesive bonding--are most suitable for different automotive product attributes and regions of an automobile? This article answers some of those questions.
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Fiber lasers weave out of the lab and into metal fab: Higher power, better beam control, more integrationFiber lasers, which have been a hot topic in laser conferences for several years now, are finally starting to appear en masse in the industrial laser market. Fiber laser technology is driving power scaling (pulsed and continuous wave), wall-plug efficiency, and beam quality to new heights in a rapid pace.
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Lifestyle trends expand use of lasers, ALAW presenters sayALAW 2007 was held April 17 to 19, in Plymouth, Mich. The second two days of the conference focused on laser technology in automotive research and applications and were geared mostly to manufacturing, production, product design, and R&D engineers.Societal demands driving greater dependence on laser technology are energy and environmental concerns, as well as customization.
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Laser welding 201: The role of process optimization and training in laser welding applicationsLaser beam optimization is necessary to become or remain competitive in the laser welding industry. That is why it is important to become familiar with optimization devices that can help make the most of laser welding equipment. Training is crucial in operating such devices safely and properly.
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Making the right choices for laser welding: Implementing laser welding becomes straightforward with the right material, fit-upLaser beam welding has evolved into a proven process, and like any proven manufacturing process, it should be matched with the application with the best-suited material and geometry.
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6 keys to laser welding: Technical and managerial tips for ensuring successWhen considering the keys to success of any laser welding manufacturing system, technical perfection isn't enough. Many variables are involved in successful laser welding. Knowing the technical as well as the leadership and managerial aspects will help ensure that the process is being maximized in your shop.
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Welding with diode lasers: This laser technology may prove attractive for thin metal applicationsHigh-power diode lasers are just beginning to make an impact on welding applications. They are also physically smaller than other lasers, and their initial capital cost is not as large as it might be for traditional welding lasers because diode lasers have fewer system components.
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Laser welding basicsLaser welding doesn't have to be complicated. It can be performed on the most basic of machines, including an everyday cutting system. This article presents an overview of laser welding, including the basic process, the types of lasers, and how to calculate costs associated with the process.
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Getting close to remote laser welding: Research reveals that the technology is a reasonable alternative to resistance spot weldingRemote laser welding is a fairly new kid on the block in terms of joining metal in North America. But it makes complete sense for those high-volume applications where resistance spot welding is used commonly.
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Laser welding update: Disk lasers find home where beam power, quality are criticalArray
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Laser cutting and welding with one tool: Is one head better than two?Today's laser sources have the power and beam quality needed to cut and join metal in an expeditious and repetitious manner. The market demands that type of flexible production, so those characteristics are basic requirements in modern laser devices. The market demands also have promoted the idea of multifunctional processing. That has led to the development of a combination head capable of laser cutting and welding 3-D metal work pieces.
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Optimizing CO2 laser use: Part IMany factors can affect laser processing efficiency. This article, Part I of a two-part series, stresses laser system maintenance and discusses factors that can affect beam quality and efficiency—namely, impurities introduced by laser gases and gas supply systems and how to prevent them. It also has a supply system requirements list.
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Optimizing CO2 laser use: Part IIAs explained in Part I of this two-part series, many factors can affect laser processing efficiency. This article explains basic laser beam delivery requirements; discusses laser gases and supply methods; and lists common problems caused by using incorrect pressure, flow, and laser speed.
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Lasers catch limelight at ALAW: Conference’s fabricator track puts the big picture center stageHow can laser technology make metal fabrication more efficient? The efficiency comes not only from advances within the laser itself, but also in new ways to integrate those lasers for optimal part flow on the shop floor. Several presenters at ALAW 2008 hammered this point home.
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Blended laser-assist gases: Recipe for successful materials processingNow processing a greater variety of materials with their lasers, fabricators are exploring new assist gas blends of up to four gases. What's the best way to blend and deliver these gases? For some, on-site blending systems can help optimize cost savings and improve quality.
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