What's the difference between laser welding and laser soldering?

Laser welding and laser soldering are two critical joining processes used in manufacturing. They sound alike, but they have some crucial differences that make them good — or bad — for different jobs. So let’s take a closer look at how laser welding and laser soldering are not the same and see how they apply in manufacturing.

Laser Welding or Laser Soldering

Laser-welding brings two materials to a melting temperatures to fuse them into a strong joint without needing a filler material. It is commonly used in industries like car making, airplanes and electronics, where strength and precision is crucial. Laser soldering robot, on the other hand, applies less heat to melt a filler known as solder, which fuses the materials together. Developed in the 19th century, this technique is popular for intricate electronics, jewelry and medical devices that require painstaking work not to harm while joining.

How Are They Different?

Comparison of both processes: Laser welding vs. laser soldering The difference between laser welding and laser soldering is in how the materials are joined. In laser welding as the two materials joined are actually melted together, the bond is as strong as the material it bonds. A filler metal is used in laser soldering, which might have less strength than the weld. Plus, laser welding can produce deeper and more precision-free welds than laser soldering , and so is better suited for tasks that require a large degree of strength and detail.

Precision of Laser Welding and Soldering

Laser welding and laser soldering provide for exacting welds and precise joints. But laser welding typically has better control over the size and depth of a weld, which makes it better for tasks in which precise measurements are crucial. Laser soldering may also be more convenient for fragile materials that could be compromised by the high heat of welding.

Which Is Cheaper?

It all depends on what is required for the task – laser welding will not work in all cases, but neither will soldering. Fiber laser welding machine may be more expensive initially due to the expensive equipment and skills required, but can save money over time by requiring fewer extra materials and less labor. Laser soldering is generally simpler and cheaper to implement and is a nice choice for small projects where strength is not the primary consideration.

Alternative Applications in Manufacturing

There are different applications for laser welding and soldering in manufacturing that make these methods useful in the different industries. Laser welding is used when you really need strength and precision, such as in making cars and airplanes. For joining fragile electronics or medical devices together without damaging them, laser soldering is superior to other methods.