Laser Machine Welding

Laser machine welding is the joining of two pieces of material, usually metal, but often these days plastics, using a laser beam. A laser is a single phase, or coherent beam of light often seen in science fiction movies, but the development of the laser beam and its application in laser machine welding allows for advancements in precision welding using this high-energy device, which creates heat when it strikes a surface. Laser machine welding is used for steam tracing and inspection, for surface heat treating, cutting with heat and other precision applications.

The laser, which stands for light amphlication by stimulated emission of radiation, emits photons in a narrow beam. Laser light usually in monochromatic, meaning that it emits light of a single wavelength. Common light emits incoherent light, which goes in all directions over the spectrum. The first working laser was developed by Hughes labs in 1960, but was descended from work done by Albert Einstein in 1916. However, the laser itself is such a recent development that the use of laser machine welding is a fairly recent technological innovation.

Lasers have found applications in many areas since their...