CNC Machining industry journal Modern Machine Shop featured an article on Alpha Laser U.S. in their June 2019 issue.
The article, entitled Pulsed Laser Welding Speeds Mold Repair, written by Executive Editor Derek Horn, features an interview with Blair Learn of Alpha Laser U.S. and discusses how pulsed laser welding is supplanting TIG welding as the preferred method for mold repair.
Mr. Learn speaks about the 3 advantages of using Pulsed Laser Welding:
- Pulsed Laser Welding shortens repair time
- Pulsed Laser Welding minimizes workpiece hardness reduction
- Pulsed Laser Welding provides more repeatable results
Mr. Learn says new advances are making pulsed laser welders more capable. One is higher power. In 2010, the highest power available for an Nd: YAG pulsed laser welder was 200 watts. Since then, Alpha Laser and other manufacturers have developed 300-watt models. The company also offers 500-watt models. He says these have twice the welding speed of 300-watt models and can use larger-diameter filler wire to further increase metal deposition rates. The maximum wire diameter for a 300-watt model typically is 0.025 inch, while a 500-watt can use as wire as large as 0.0625 inch.
Another advance is improved mobility. Self-propelled Alflak models are available with continuous, tank-like caterpillar tracks. Mr. Learn says this enables the welding unit to easily drive from location to location, even in big plants where large molds, tooling or parts move on rails. These are the company’s largest laser models, offering arm extension of almost 9 feet. The laser head can rotate to face straight up or down to access a variety of workpiece features, too.”
Read the entire article in Modern Machine Shop here. or click here to read the PDF.
Alpha Laser U.S. (alphalaser.com) is dedicated to advancing laser welding technology across all manufacturing sectors while maintaining the best laser welders on the market.
Modern Machine Shop (www.mmsonline.com) is the leading publication and media brand in North America devoted to CNC machining. They report on the ways CNC machining technology is advancing and succeeding in job shops, contract shops and captive operations. MMS combines unprecedented editorial access to manufacturing facilities with decades of experience to provide long-form content that is both insightful and impactful.