Laser welding is our most popular production method because it is so efficient, and it offers nearly limitless capabilities and design options. Laser welded sections are produced by welding individual components together, creating a complete section. The pieces are typically flat laser cut strips, but may also be pre-fabricated solids, hollows or other shapes. The joints are created with powerful lasers without any filler material, producing a minute weld bead. Virtually all commercially available carbon and stainless steels can be laser welded along with the appropriate approvals and certifications. Our lasers have the capability of cutting material up to 1–1/2” thick. Monolithic, homogeneous welds are easily attainable through a depth of 1-1/2”. Laser welded sections can be produced in carbon steel, stainless steel and duplex steel profiles, among others. Laser welding is a type of laser fusion but does not use any filler material in its process.
Laser welded sections inherently feature sharp edges and generally have small radii measuring a maximum of .02″. With the use of lasers in laser welding and fusing, there is a very small heat affected zone when compared to traditional production methods. Laser welded sections can be manufactured as tees, channels, angles, beams and other sections. Hollow structurals are also available as well as square or rectangular tubing. These can be made in almost any size with a small minimum order. The components can have different thicknesses and even different grades of materials fused into one section.
Our laser welded sections can be produced in quantities as small as a single piece for a prototype study, all the way up to quantities of 100 tons or more for large scale projects. Typical maximum production length is 45 feet, maximum width 40”and a maximum height of 80”. Small sections (1” X 1”) can be produced as well, with a minimum thickness of 1/8”. Most production consists of material laser fused at a 90° angle, but it is possible to weld at other angles. Even round materials can be joined with flat edges. Sometimes it is necessary to flatten the round material at the contact point for these custom geometries.
Laser welded stainless profiles generally have a better surface finish than extruded or hot rolled products because the raw components are processed from high quality hot rolled plate or from cold drawn flats. Upon being laser welded, the sections are straightened, bead blasted and passivated in an acid solution. Passivating removes any impurities introduced during the production process. Angle, channel and box sections are typically machined prior to bead blasting because they often contain external weld beads. Removing these external beads makes the finished surface flat and even. Our laser welded sections go through a stringent quality control process, involving continuous checks with special measuring equipment. This measuring equipment is checked at regular intervals by TÜV (external approving authority) to verify its reliability. The sections are therefore supplied with appropriate certificates and approvals.
Loadbearing sections are certified and approved per ASTM specifications. Laser welded sections are ideal for use in nearly any industry; power generation, food processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, chemical process control, waste water systems, architecture, building & construction, and oil & gas are just a few. Our laser welded stainless sections are also very popular with landscape architects, interior designers, and furniture designers.