Protection gas-free laser welding joins thin-walled metal sheets

T.H.E. Machines has developed the SLT series of machines for protection gas-free laser welding of thin-walled metal sheets for stamping. The standard series covers working widths from 3.15 to 29.53 in. (higher on request).

The welding is conducted in fully automated process steps. Depending on the materials and thicknesses, preprogrammed welding parameters help ensure repeatable quality. Typical tensile strength and elongation at the seam are generally 85 percent or more of the base material.

The machine’s fiber laser source has been adapted to the process requirements of 0.5- to 1-kW units. Onboard cooling for the laser and fully integrated production and process controls help ensure the equipment can be used inline in a 24/7 operation, offline as a stand-alone unit, or in a mobile execution.

The integrated optical seam tracking system helps produce high process speeds. The quality of the entire seam can be checked using top and bottom cameras.