The difference of air-cooling & water-cooling handheld laser welding machine

Air-cooling and water-cooling are two different methods used to dissipate heat generated during laser welding in handheld laser welding machines. The choice between these two cooling methods depends on the specific requirements of the application and the characteristics of the laser system. Here are the key differences between air-cooling and water-cooling for handheld laser welding machines:

1. Cooling Mechanism:

• Air-cooling: This method relies on the circulation of air to dissipate heat. Heat exchangers and fans are commonly used to remove heat from the laser system.
• Water-cooling: Water-cooling involves circulating water through a closed-loop system to absorb and carry away heat. Water-cooled systems typically have a water reservoir, a pump, and a heat exchanger.

2. Efficiency:

• Air-cooling: Generally, air-cooling is less efficient than water-cooling. It may be suitable for less demanding applications or situations where water availability or infrastructure is a concern.
• Water-cooling: Water has a higher heat capacity than air, making water-cooling more effective at dissipating heat. This can be advantageous for high-power laser systems or applications where precise control of temperature is crucial.

3. Heat Dissipation Capacity:

• Air-cooling: Limited heat dissipation capacity compared to water-cooling. It may struggle to handle the heat generated by high-power lasers or prolonged use.
• Water-cooling: Higher heat dissipation capacity, making it suitable for applications that generate a significant amount of heat.

4. Noise and Vibration:

• Air-cooling: Generally produces more noise due to the operation of fans. Vibration levels may also be higher.
• Water-cooling: Tends to be quieter as water absorbs and dampens sound. Vibration levels are often lower compared to air-cooling systems.

5. Maintenance:

• Air-cooling: Typically requires less maintenance as there are no water-related components that can be prone to issues such as corrosion or leakage.
• Water-cooling: May require more maintenance due to the need to monitor and maintain the water quality, and there is a risk of leaks.

6. Portability:

• Air-cooling: Generally more portable and easier to set up since it doesn’t require water circulation components.
• Water-cooling: Can be less portable due to the need for water circulation components and potential bulkiness.

The choice between air-cooling and water-cooling depends on factors such as the power of the laser, the duration of operation, the precision required, and the specific environmental conditions of the application. Each cooling method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the selection should align with the specific needs of the laser welding application.

At the end of the writing, spxlaser’s suggestion is to choose air-cooled or water-cooled handheld laser equipment based on the product’s application scenario and power:

1. For mobile scenarios requiring less than 1500 watts and a thickness within 3mm, air-cooled handheld laser welding can be used, which is light weight and easy to carry.
2. For applications above 1500 watts and in fixed environments, it is best to choose water-cooled handheld laser welding, which has stable performance and is suitable for long-term welding.

For more applications of handheld laser welding machine, you can pay a visit to our websit www.spxlaser.com, or email me at info@spxlaser.com.