At Wal-Tek Industries, we’re not afraid to embrace emerging technologies. And laser welding is no exception!
Just as we adopted tube laser cutting before many of our peers, we invested in laser welding early on so we could master it while the market is still ramping up. Today, we are one of the first precision machine shops in our region to offer comprehensive laser welding services, and we’re already seeing major returns in efficiency, consistency, and cost savings.
Why We Invested in Laser Welding: A Leaner, Cleaner, Stronger Process
Leaner
Laser welding is three to five times faster than traditional TIG welding, making this service a game-changer in fast lead times. For advanced capabilities like spot welding and rust removal, laser welding is a single-step process, while TIG and MIG welding can require a several-step process.
Cleaner
For components that require high aesthetic standards, laser welding leaves no bulky weld bead behind.
Stronger
Our laser welder even produces a stronger, more durable weldment than traditional methods, making it ideal for everything from rugged military applications to sleek office fixtures.
Other Standout Benefits of Laser Welding at Wal-Tek Industries
In addition to these three core benefits, laser welding benefits our customers and team in the following ways:
A Smaller Heat-Affected Zone for Tighter Tolerances
Compared to TIG or MIG welding, laser welding produces a much smaller heat-affected zone. This is because the torches required for TIG and MIG welding have wider heat sources than our lasers have. This minimizes material distortion and shrinkage, which in turn helps us hold tighter tolerances.
Simpler Technique for More Consistent Results
Laser welding is a far simpler process to learn than traditional welding methods. Relatively novice laser welders can achieve clean, consistent welds, while even expert TIG welders must always carefully manage every aspect of their technique. There is simply less opportunity for human error in the semi-automated process of laser welding, and that leads to more consistent results.
Versatile Setup for a Range of Part Sizes
With a four-foot by four-foot welding table, the Wal-Tek team can handle a wide range of part sizes while maintaining tight tolerances and top-notch quality.
Long-Term Scalability for Higher Capacity
While it can take approximately 2,000 hours to master the craft of TIG welding, our people have become proficient at laser welding after just 20 hours! Because laser welding is so much easier to learn, it serves as a highly scalable solution.
While the training may be shorter, proper guidance is critical, especially on safety protocols. That’s why we built a dedicated laser welding room outfitted with laser-tempered glass, a machine operating light, a safety kill switch, and all necessary PPE. This investment in our facilities ensures our team can work safely while producing the high-quality welds they’re capable of.
Could Laser Welding Replace TIG and MIG in Your Next Project?
Still calling out TIG welding on your prints? It might be time to reconsider. While MIG and TIG welding certainly have their advantages, laser welding can offer a better result at a lower cost for many parts.
At Wal-Tek, we’re happy to help you determine which welding method is the best fit for your project based on its requirements. Many of our customers have converted TIG weld specs to laser welds after seeing the benefits firsthand.
As a forward-thinking precision machining company, Wal-Tek is constantly investing in the latest technologies to better serve our customers. From advanced laser cutting and CNC machining services to our rapid inventory program (RIP), our team is happy to help you streamline your supply chain with precision and reliability.
Looking to improve quality and lower costs on your welded parts? Let’s talk about how laser welding can support your future projects.
Request a quote from Wal-Tek to get started!
