Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Work Hours
Monday to Friday: 7AM - 7PM
Weekend: 10AM - 5PM
Today, let’s discuss the optimal choice for handheld laser welding based on the cooling methods and application scenarios.
As of November 2023, in China, handheld laser welding has evolved from the hollow motor solution for handheld welding joints to the dual-swing solution, and finally, to the stable single-swing solution recognized by the market. Simultaneously, due to the increasing demand for miniaturization and lightweight solutions, laser manufacturers have gradually contributed to the technological evolution of handheld laser welding. Currently, handheld laser welding can be classified into three categories based on the cooling method:
| Category | Advantages | Disadvantages | Application Scenarios |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water-cooled handheld laser welding | Stable | Large size/heavyweight, poor portability | High power, optimal choice for fixed factory applications |
| Refrigerant-cooled handheld laser welding | Small size, low working noise | New technology/stability to be verified by the market | Suitable for mobile operating environments |
| Air-cooled handheld laser welding | Small size, lightweight | High noise, intermittent use, low power | DIY/studio/mobile scenarios |
In summary:
- Water cooling is suitable for high power, thick materials, and is the optimal choice for fixed factory environments (I recommend laser power not exceeding 3000 watts).
- Refrigerant cooling, with further technological evolution, may be a better alternative to water cooling, reducing the cumbersome process of cooling water replacement.
- Air cooling, due to its built-in overheating protection program, is not as friendly to those with high-efficiency continuous welding needs. However, its light weight has gained favor among users in portable application scenarios.
Spxlaser.com has experienced 20 years of rapid development of laser applications in China, and we have rich research and development manufacturing experience. We hope that the introduction of the characteristics of different types of handheld laser welding will help you make the right choice.
In the next article, we will discuss the technological evolution of handheld heads and systems, taking you to learn more about handheld laser welding.