With laser welding services, providers can join a variety of metals using a laser machine. Laser technology creates a concentrated heat, thereby causing little distortion and enabling deep yet narrow welds. Laser welding is also highly precise and ideal for high volume jobs that require quality joints. Although 20 years ago, laser welding was in its infancy, the development of laser welding is such that now it's often used in the aerospace, electronics, automotive, medical and other high-tech industries.

That said, there are several specialities in the laser beam welding field. Although a laser can weld stainless steel, carbon steels, titanium, aluminum and HSLA steels, some laser welders only work on certain types of metals. Also, a laser welder may only offer certain, specialized services. Therefore, when researching laser welding information, consider whether you need:

1. General providers of laser welding services,

2. Micro laser welding services for minute jobs,

3. Or specialized spot laser welding services.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose general laser welding services

For most uses, a company that provides general laser welding service will suit you. Typically, laser welding experts use two types of laser welding technology: gas (carbon dioxide, or CO2) and solid-state (No:YAG) welding machines. They may also provide traditional welding processes to their clients.

I recommend: Alabama Laser Technologies offers carbon dioxide and Nd:YAG laser services, doing welds of up to 100 inches long. Northeast Laser & Electropolish provides Nd:YAG and spot welding services, specializing in joining medical, industrial, sensor and telecommunication components. Acceleron offers both Nd:YAG and CO2 laser welding for industrial needs.

Select laser microwelders for small jobs

Micro laser welding is just what it sounds like: welding in very small areas, with great precision. Although most laser welding companies will do micro welding, some specialize in it. Such specialized laser microwelders are ideal when you have a high volume of micro welding that must be done quickly and accurately.

I recommend: Gateway Laser Services offers micro laser welding, perfect for creating cylindrical welds and fabricating tubular assemblies. MDP Welding provides micro laser welding, specializing in rush jobs. Precision MicroFab offers micro laser welding for industrial needs.

Select spot laser welding services

Spot welding is when pieces are overlapped and welded together at small points along the seam. This is a traditional type of welding that a laser welding service may utilize.

I recommend: Nu-Way Industries offers laser spot welding as part of their production services. Applied Laser Technologies provides spot laser welding as well as full fabrication and welding services. In addition to offering full laser welding services, Pulse Systems also does spot laser welding.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you're not already using a laser welding service, do reconsider if you need welding that requires tight tolerances, requires excellent weld strength and penetration, looks great and you want to reduce your welding costs overall.