Laser Welding FAQ's

Things to know for when customers ask about laser welding in general

What is laser welding?

Uses a focused laser beam to fuse metal with high precision, low heat input, and minimal distortion

What are the advantages of laser welding vs TIG or MIG

Faster welding speeds, cleaner welds, less heat distortion, minimal post-processing, and easier learning curve for many applications

Who is laser welding best suited for?

Fabrication shops, manufacturers, repair shops, stainless steel fabricators, and anyone looking for clean efficient welds

What materials can our laser welding machines weld?

Stainless steel, carbon steel, mild steel, galvanized steel, aluminum, and certain alloys

Does laser welding work especially well on stainless steel?

Yes. Laser welding produces clean, cosmetic stainless welds with minimal discoloration and warping

What thickness can the machines weld?

Depends on the machine, power level, and material. Thin to medium-thickness materials are ideal; thicker materials may require multiple passes or joint prep

Can people weld dissimilar metals?

Some dissimilar metals can be welded, depending on material compatibility and application

Is laser welding hard to learn?

No. Many operators become productive after a few hours of training, especially compared to TIG welding

So people need previous welding experience to operate a machine?

Welding experience helps, but it is not required for basic operation

What welding modes are available?

Continuous wave, Pule, Spot, and continuous spot welding

Can people use filler wire with the machine?

Yes. Our machines support manual or assisted filler wire feeding

Is laser welding safe?

Yes, when proper safety procedures and PPE are used

What safety equipment is required?

Laser-rated safety glasses or face shield, gloves, protective clothing, and a controlled work area

Why can't people use a regular welding helmet or face shield?

Standard shields do not block the laser wavelength. Laser-rated protection is required

What power is required to run the machine?

220v single phase

Do people need shielding gas?

Yes. Argon (and sometimes nitrogen) is commonly used to protect the weld from oxidation

What kind of cooling is used on the machine?

Refrigerated cooling is used for the machine

What routine maintenance is required?

Regular cleaning of nozzles, inspection of lenses, and basic system checks

What consumables need to be replaced?

Protective lenses, focus lenses, O-rings, seals, and nozzles

How often do lenses need to be replaced?

Depends on usage and cleanliness; protective lenses are typically replaced more frequently than focus lenses

Does Nuwave offer training on the machines?

Yes - onboarding, training videos, and optional live training are available

Do you offer replacement parts and consumables?

Yes - we stock common consumables and replacement parts

What kind of warranty is included with the purchase of a machine?

Usually 1 year warranty

Does Nuwave offer demos?

Yes - in person, online, or recorded demos are available

How quickly does a laser welding machine pay for itself?

Many customers see ROI through reduced labor time, faster production, and cleaner welds requiring less rework

Can laser welding replace TIG welding?

For many stainless and thin-material applications, yes - though TIG may still be used for certain jobs

How does laser welding compare to TIG welding?

Generally faster, produces less heat input, and results in cleaner welds with minimal distortion. TIG welding offers excellent control but is slower and requires more operator skill, especially on thin materials

How does laser welding compare to MIG welding?

It is more precise and produces much cleaner welds with less splatter and post-processing. MIG welding is well-suited for thicker materials and structural work but typically creates more heat, splatter, and cleanup

Is laser welding faster than TIG?

Yes. In many applications, laser welding can be 2-5 times faster than TIG, especially on stainless steel and thin materials

Does laser welding create less heat than TIG or MIG?

Yes. Laser welding has a very focused heat source, which significantly reduces heat-affected zones, warping, and discoloration - especially important for stainless steel

Which process produces cleaner welds on stainless steel - laser, TIG, or MIG?

Laser welding typically produces the cleanest and most cosmetic welds on stainless steel, often with little to no post-weld grinding or polishing required

Can laser welding replace MIG welding?

Yes - in many light-to-medium duty applications, but MIG remains better suited for heavy strucural welds and thick plates

Does laser welding require filler wire like TIG or MIG?

Laser welding can be done with or without filler wire, depending on joint fit-up and application. Tight joints often requre no filler at all

How does a laser weld appearance compare between TIG and MIG?

The welds are typically more smooth, narrow, and more uniform. TIG produces clean welds but often requires more time and skill. MIG welds are functional but usually need more cleanup

Which welding process causes the least distortion between laser, TIG and MIG welding

Laser welding causes the least distortion due to its low overall heat input and focused beam

Is laser welding suitable for production environments?

Yes. Laser welding excels in production settings due to speed, consistency, and reduced rework

When should a customer use TIG or MIG instead of laser welding?

TIG - Very thick metals, intricate repairs, specialty alloys

MIG - Heavy structural steel, outdoor welding, thick plates

Laser welding is best for precision, speed, and cosmetic results

Is laser welding more expensive than TIG or MIG?

The initial equipment cost is higher, but many customers see a faster ROI through reduced labor time, faster production, and less post-processing

Which process is best for structural steel fabrication?

Laser welding is often the best choice for stainless steel due to clean welds, minimal discoloration, and reduced finishing time