Conclusion

Laser welding has "come of age" for automotive manufacture, where it is an established technique for automotive components, tailored blanks and body assembly. The main advantages to be gained through the use of laser welding include low distortion, single sided access, high torsional stiffness of components, and cost savings through elimination of other manufacturing operations. Most of the applications to date have focused on welding of steels but there is a growth in confidence in laser welding of aluminium alloys.

The advent of high average power Nd:YAG lasers, delivering over 3kW power to the workpiece, will make an increasing impact on the type of laser welding systems installed in production, but there will be considerable pressure to reduce capital costs and improve efficiencies of the laser source. Competition will also be fierce from CO 2 laser manufacturers and non-laser processes in this significant market.