Laser Micro Welding Challenges
Welding very small assemblies has inherent obstacles that make it a difficult and complex process, requiring an extra level of skill beyond welding more traditional weld joints. Part damage and deformation caused by excessive heat are concerns when welding small parts. Additionally, handling tiny parts presents a unique challenge, that we’ve developed several methods for, over our 55+ year history. Read more below about these challenges and how we overcome them.
Minimizing Heat Damage
Minimizing heat input is critical for welding micro assemblies, as it is possible to burn the assembly and/or damage internal components if extra attention isn’t paid to protect them.
Traditional forms of welding, such as TIG and MIG welding, flood assemblies with massive amounts of heat and electrical charge, which can damage small, sensitive components. At EB Industries, we utilize different types of lasers to weld parts and electronic packages.
Pulsed lasers apply a minimal amount of heat, which can greatly reduce, if not completely mitigate, material warping and weld shrinkage.
Electric current, caused by traditional TIG/TIG welding, can also damage components. Lasers apply power to the weld area using nothing other than light, which obviates any potential damage that might be caused by electrical current.
Micro Component Handling and Processing
As can be imagined, handling small assemblies is extremely difficult. We’ve welded assemblies in the past where some components are approximately .001″ thick. If parts are dropped or bent due to excessive pressure when handling, it’s almost a guarantee that there will be irreparable damage.
We have experience designing and building vacuum tweezers and other part handling mechanisms to move, position and process micro assemblies with the delicate touch these parts require.
Additionally, our operators and technicians are extensively trained in parts handling, and we have decades of institution experience in keeping customer parts pristine.
At EB Industries, we believe the best way to serve our customers is to have an array of laser welding equipment available to meet the varied requirements of our customers. We also have multiple redundant systems and operators such that our production capability is never compromised.