Choosing a device

[ThomasVienna]

Hi everyone. Decided to buy myself a good welding machine. Up to this point was for ordinary manual welding, automatic machine took from a friend. But now I decided to upgrade and buy myself one that you can weld everything with it. Here I choose a suitable one from the list https://virmer.com/catalog/laser-welding/. Can anyone who already works with such machines tell me how practical they are in work?

 

[brino]

Sorry I have no advice, but will be watching this thread.

I have stick, mig, tig, and ox-acetylene, but have never used/seen laser welding.

Looking forward to the discussion!

Brian

 

[pavyan]

I will write this from the perspective of someone who cannot afford a laser welder - but above all from common sense (because I could probably "scrape" for money and buy one).
In my opinion, this is a fairly new technology, I believe it is not yet sufficiently tested, spare parts and any repairs will be relatively expensive.
In my opinion, its use/purchase only makes sense in cases where it is truly irreplaceable - and only a laser welder can perform the task assigned.

On the other hand, AC/DC TIG (WIG) technology has been known for years and is now perfectly mastered, many types of materials can be welded, and access to the welded area is versatile and very good (e.g. narrow and long torch tips); from what I can see - the laser torch is large, relatively heavy, and has a bottom automatic wire feeder; all these features limited freedom of movements and access to the welded area.

In addition, today very good, "smart" universal TIG AC/DC machines (argon-cooled) are available at much lower prices than laser welders with similar capabilities. Or for example, buy a laser welder because it can "burn" rust? No, this additional "bonus" does not convince me.

I have a TIG DC 160A inverter welder (because I did not plan on welding aluminum and indeed, in the past 20 years it was needed maybe three times), I mainly weld stainless/acid-resistant steel and... I simply love this machine And I never forget to pet her tenderly
Half-jokingly, half seriously: I compare WIG welding to precise plastic surgery, while ARC or MIG welding I compare to the work of a butcher

 

[Ulma Doctor]

I also have no experience with laser welding but from what I’ve seen, they are the cat’s meow.
I wonder about penetration and ultimate strength of the deposit

 

[Eddyde]

If you are going to spend that kind of money you might be better off getting a top of the line, multi process welder. TIG for fine welding of virtually any metal and MIG for quick fabrication of steel, Stick for heavy structural welds and outdoor work.
These are time tested processes and there is much in the way of knowledge and supplies available to help you lean. and getting a machine from a from a reputable name brand like Miller or Lincoln, ensures you will always be able to get parts and service. Buying a machine that welds with a new process from a newish company is taking a big chance, IMHO. It also depends on what kind of work to do and what you want to achieve?

 

[rwm]

You could by a nice TIG and a MIG and all the accessories for that price. But now you have me interested in a laser welder! I will have to research more.

 

[homebrewed]

I took a look at that web page. All the units appear to weigh the same and the multi-power versions cover the same power range. The price differences appear to be related to the type of laser in the box, and perhaps the bells and whistles trapped inside.

Also not particularly portable. They all weigh 235Kg, about 518 lbs.

Finally, that vendor indicates that they sell welders that use lasers from JPT or Raycus. They recommend JPT for welding aluminum. Raycus is said to "support welding different types of metals except non-ferrous" (my emphasis).

So the welders are expensive, heavy and perhaps not suitable for all metals. I wouldn't go that direction unless I had a very specific need for this type of welder (and it would take about 5 years to talk SWMBO into it!). They could be very good in situations where you need a very narrow HAZ. Perhaps beyond the realm of ordinary hobbyist-level fabrication?

 

[Asm109]

To paraphrase Obi Wan. These are not the welders you are looking for.

If you needed to weld up a hermitically sealed package containing eye wateringly expensive optics and solid state lasers, that is just the ticket.

It is not a one process replacement for every other type of welder.
Spend half that amount of money on a TIG machine with a water cooled torch and there is virtually nothing you can't weld.

 

[rwm]

Then there is electron beam welding...