What is the difference between a laser welding machine and a laser cutting machine?

Today in 2022, the development trend of industrial intelligent precision processing is getting better and better. The application of laser processing in home appliances, 3C, automobiles, medical and other industries is also being recognized and the demand is increasing. The use of laser equipment by enterprises is also gradually becoming more extensive. Generally speaking, laser equipment is mainly divided into three categories: laser cutting machine, laser welding machine and laser marking (laser marking machine). Many customers think that they are actually the same machine (some lasers do look similar), but in fact they are not the same. So what is the difference between laser welding machine and laser cutting machine?

Laser cutting machine and laser welding machine rely on laser to complete the processing task during the processing process. Their principles are the same, but their purposes are completely opposite.

First, let's understand how the laser cutting machine fully performs the cutting function.

Laser cutting is achieved by using the high-power density energy created by laser focusing. Under computer control, the pulse laser discharges to output a controlled repetitive high-frequency pulse laser, generating a beam of a certain frequency and a certain pulse width. The pulse laser transmits and reflects through the optical path, and focuses on the surface of the object to be processed through the focusing lens group, forming a fine, high-energy-density light spot. The focus is located near the surface of the object to be processed, and the object to be processed is melted or evaporated at an instantaneous high temperature. The high-energy laser pulser instantly splashes small holes on the surface of the object. Under computer control, the laser and the object to be processed move continuously relative to each other according to a pre-designed pattern, so that the object is processed into the desired shape.

Then how does the laser welding machine fully realize the welding function?

Laser welding machine is a new welding method. First of all, for the welding of thin-walled materials and delicate parts, it can complete spot welding, butt welding, lap welding, sealing welding, etc. It has a high aspect ratio, a small weld width, a small thermal shock area, small deformation, a fast welding speed, a smooth and beautiful weld, and no post-welding treatment or simple treatment. The weld quality is high, there is no pores, the control is precise, the focal point is small, the positioning accuracy is high, and it is easy to complete automation technology. It uses high-energy laser pulses to heat materials in a small area. The energy of laser radiation diffuses into the material through heat conduction, melts the material, and forms a specific molten pool.

I believe that through the above introduction, everyone will have a certain understanding of these two lasers! In fact, the principle of laser welding machine is similar to that of cutting, but the purpose is opposite. Its main secret lies in the power of the laser. According to experience, the two can actually coexist on the machine, but the program writing is slightly different, and the laser power called is the same.