Laser welder

[spdbrake]

I really wish I had $25k just lying around.
Several companies making these now so the price should start dropping eventually.
https://lasersystems.ipgphotonics.co...leaning-System.

[eschaider]

I played with one of these at the PRI show this year. To say it is impressive is an understatement.

I welded a "T" joint on about 0.150" sheet / plate, about 6inches long and I think the weld time was on the order of 2 seconds! The weld looked perfect, penetration was perfect and speed was astounding! I haven't picked up a TIG torch in 20 years and this weld looked like I did this all day, everyday!

The welder I used had a maximum component thickness of about 0.200" if I remember correctly. Real world it will cover almost all of the welding needs we have — it is pricey at $20/$25K.

Ed

[Dumpling]

That guy in the red plaid shirt needs to go up 4 or 5 sizes.

What is a "wobble weld"??

[FredG]

I haven't done any welding since the 70's but that thing is pretty cool. It reminded me of this video where you remove rust with a laser.

Fred


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACGSzBXKONo

Originally Posted by spdbrake

I really wish had $25k just lying around.
Several companies making these now so the price should start dropping eventually.
https://lass ersystems.ipgphotonics....leaning-System.

[spdbrake]

They make a plasma cutter type attachment as well.

The wobble weld if much the same as the L-R movement electrode tig welding for larger gapped weld areas. From the looks of it it is adjustable in size.

I thought it was also cool that the stitch welding to prevent buckling is largely not needed.
They do have a wire feed for filler wire.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmZ_Wv6QHeI

[MasterAnubis]

I get targeted ads for this a lot. I'm flattered that they think I can afford a $25K welder!

[Gaz64]

Originally Posted by spdbrake

They make a plasma cutter type attachment as well.

The wobble weld if much the same as the L-R movement electrode tig welding for larger gapped weld areas. From the looks of it it is adjustable in size.

I thought it was also cool that the stitch welding to prevent buckling is largely not needed.
They do have a wire feed for filler wire.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmZ_Wv6QHeI

That's a very impressive piece of gear.

[eschaider]

The one I used had the wire feed. It was sort of like a MIG welder design but the results were stunning.

The laser turns on when the red targeting laser and the filler wire come into welding proximity of the parts. If you do a left to right or right to left weld the wire feed gently but firmly pushes the torch down the weld path. It is an eerie feeling but the weld is to die for.

It literally takes about 2 seconds to go six inches. The first time you use it you expect the weld to look grungy. Viola! No grunge just one nickel stacked on top of another at that stunning speed!

If you are a fabricator this thing will pay for itself pretty quickly. The rest of us — not so much.


Ed

[KarlzEE Bebout]

Dang! Christmas is over. Guess I'll just have to wait.

[PDUB]

Originally Posted by FredG

I haven't done any welding since the 70's but that thing is pretty cool. It reminded me of this video where you remove rust with a laser.

Fred


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACGSzBXKONo

That rust remover is awesome, as well! Wish I had one in the garage...

[twobjshelbys]

Way cool!

[hauss]

No way even or, especially if I was a shop, I would have multiple welders that way, if one goes down I could still use one of the others, for that kind of money.

[MasterAnubis]

Weld.com posted a video yesterday interviewing a company rep and a welder. Just and interview. No hands-on in the video. It flows like an infomercial. I'd recommend watching the company rep part in the beginning. Skip the welder interview it is just fluff.

It still looks like cost to weld ratio is going to take a while before it impacts the average Joe.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osod3urjruM


-Shawn