Evaluating the Welding Performance of Laser Welding Machines
How to Evaluate the Welding Performance of Laser Welding Equipment
Although laser welding is widely used, achieving qualified welds on components still requires operational expertise to master the laser welding machine! So how can we control the quality of laser welding machines? This topic has become a crucial aspect of process management for manufacturers.
Beyond meticulously monitoring welding parameters—such as current settings, positional accuracy, and gap closure—during sample testing, experienced technicians conduct visual inspections to assess the machine's performance. Yet this initial step alone is insufficient for definitive conclusions. Next, we can perform destructive testing on the parts. What is destructive testing? It does not mean destroying the equipment for inspection, but rather going beyond visual inspection to open the base material of the welding machine for evaluation.
Generally, when evaluating laser welding machine quality: We can also use multiple methods to assess the machine's quality, such as monitoring tensile strength and determining the root cause of equipment issues based on inspection results. If welding defects like poor welds or cold joints occur during processing, it may not necessarily be solely due to the welding machine. It could be caused by unsuitable materials. In such cases, try changing the material or adjusting the laser welding machine's waveform settings before rewelding and reassessing the results! However, if products welded by the machine consistently exhibit poor welds at the same location, inspect whether the workbench or fixtures are clamping securely, or if the weld seam alignment is uneven. Additionally, check the energy stability of the welding machine. Therefore, poor welding results from a laser welding machine may not solely stem from the machine itself—material properties or fixture issues can also significantly impact outcomes. Of course, if equipment issues are identified—such as excessively thick weld spots—parameters can be adjusted to improve results. For material-related challenges, adding auxiliary materials may yield better outcomes. If poor results persist even with additives, the material is likely unsuitable for laser welding.