Laser Welding & Bonding Treatments
An increase in metal-bonding technologies has led to a greater need for highly effective cleaning solutions. From preparing parts and equipment for joining to removing pollutants that creep in afterwards, laser cleaning offers an environmentally-friendly, cost-effective solution for any bonding application.
HOW LASER CLEANING WORKS FOR WELDING & BONDING TREATMENTS
Laser cleaning works by sending pulses of light towards a surface. The laser light will either turn susceptible contaminants into gas or remove them from the surface through pressure. For metal-joining applications, this means removing layers of residue and other pollutants from the metal surfaces, allowing for a stronger and more effective bond. Laser cleaning can also be used post-bonding to prepare surfaces for coating and other additional treatments without harming the integrity of the weld.
LASER BONDING & WELDING PREPARATION
Laser cleaning for metals removes residues such as oils, rust, oxide, and additional contaminants without damaging the integrity of the substrate layer. This creates a more effective joining process — ensuring longer-lasting joints.
Adapt Laser also offers hyperpassivation, a custom process that creates greater corrosion resistance and the most stable bonding surface available. Hyperpassivation works best for lightweight materials only, and is perfect for not only bonding preparation but also ensuring batteries or other components are sealed when bonded to prevent creep corrosion.
BENEFITS OF LASER CLEANING FOR BONDING & WELDING PRE-TREATMENT
- Makes the welding process more effective by assuring better joining of metal components
- Cleans without interacting with the substrate integrity
- Allows for joining process to occur with higher quality and strength
- Cleans more quickly than alternative cleaning methods
- Creates little to no waste
- Environmentally friendly
- Cheaper than traditional industrial cleaning methods
LASER BONDING & WELDING POST-TREATMENT
For post-joining applications, laser cleaning is an excellent solution for removing unwanted residue and other contaminants in order to prepare the surface for coating and other post-bond treatments. This can be used for a wide array of materials — including stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and galvanized steel. Laser cleaning for post-bond metals allows for a more effective coating application, which leads to greater corrosion resistance in the long run.
BENEFITS OF LASER CLEANING FOR BONDING & WELDING POST-TREATMENT
- Makes up for failures of traditional cleaning techniques
- Doesn’t harm the integrity of the bond
- Surface coating lasts longer
- Greater corrosion resistance
- Gentle on metals as well as on the environment
- Creates little to no waste
- Lowest operating cost of all industrial cleaning methods
SAFETY TRAINING FOR LASER BONDING & WELDING TREATMENTS
See How These Industries Are Using Laser Cleaning
BONDING & WELDING TREATMENTS FOR AEROSPACE APPLICATIONS
BONDING & WELDING TREATMENTS FOR AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS
Having effective welding and bonding processes is non-negotiable in automotive manufacturing. That’s why clean and stable welding/bonding surfaces are of utmost importance. Traditional methods such as sandblasting or chemicals may be effective for cleaning, but they also can damage the substrate layers and typically require treating the entire part instead of the target area. Laser ablation, on the other hand, cleans without damaging the substrate and allows for stronger and more effective bonds. Laser cleaning for pre-welding also means you can use a higher-powered laser for the welding/bonding itself. The result is a faster process and higher-quality welds. For post-weld treatments, laser cleaning can also eliminate any unwanted residue — leading to better coating applications on the bonded parts.
Common uses of laser ablation for welding treatments include:
- Gear welding
- Structural frame bonding
- Electronic control unit bonding
- Door frames welding
- Electric vehicle fuel-cell conductivity
Read also: Laser Cleaning for Battery/Electric Cars
BONDING & WELDING TREATMENTS FOR DEFENSE & MILITARY APPLICATIONS
For defense and military clients, strength and durability mean everything. From state-of-the-art aircraft, to warships, to armored vehicles and more, strong welds and bonds are a requirement for the harsh conditions and environments into which these vehicles/equipment are placed. Therefore, finding the right cleaning solution is crucial not only to ensure effective and long-lasting bonds, but also to prevent and reduce corrosion throughout the equipment’s life cycle. Traditional, abrasive cleaning technologies may provide effective cleanings, but only at the cost of impairing the materials they clean. They also require time-consuming and often hazardous setup, operation, and teardown. Laser ablation, however, is a safer, more environmentally-friendly cleaning solution that doesn’t harm the substrate. This means delivering reliable, high-quality welds and bonds so that your strength is never compromised. In addition, laser post-welding/bonding treatments allow for better coatings adherence, which protect your equipment from breaking down — even in the field of battle. This is just one of the many reasons laser cleaning is trusted by the US Air Force, the US Navy, US Army, and more.