What Is Laser Welding?
TL;DR — Quick Summary
Laser welding is a method of joining metals together using a concentrated laser beam. This type of welding is very advantageous in temperature sensor manufacture as it creates a minimal heat-affected zone, with zero contamination. Welds are created seamlessly and are more uniform.
Very long mineral-insulated temperature sensors can be manufactured, which cannot be created by resistance welding. Laser welding temperature sensors create very clean, small welds which results in extended sensor life and reduces the chance of long-term sensor drift.
Advantages for Temperature Sensor Manufacturing
- Extended Sensor Life
- Clean, precise welds reduce the likelihood of long-term sensor drift.
- Ability to Produce Long Sensors
- Very long MI sensors can be manufactured, which is not possible with resistance welding.
- High-Quality, Reliable Welds
- Small, clean welds ensure consistent performance and robustness.
- Minimal Contamination
- No external materials or flux are introduced during welding, maintaining sensor integrity.
How Laser Welding Works
- A laser beam is focused onto the joint between two metal components.
- The energy from the laser melts the metals, creating a weld that fuses the parts together.
- Cooling occurs quickly, reducing stress and deformation in the surrounding material.
FAQs
Q1: Why use laser welding instead of resistance welding?
Laser welding allows longer sensor lengths, smaller heat-affected zones, and cleaner welds, which resistance welding cannot achieve.
Q2: Does laser welding affect sensor accuracy?
No. The minimal heat impact preserves the integrity of the sensor and reduces long-term drift.
Q3: Is laser welding suitable for all metals?
Laser welding works with a wide range of metals, but reflective or highly conductive metals may require specialised techniques.
Q4: Can laser welding reduce manufacturing defects?
Yes. The precision and uniformity of laser welding reduce defects, improving sensor quality and reliability.
If you want to order a temperature sensor or you are unsure exactly what you need, get in touch and we can help you.