

Laser welding (LW) is a welding process that uses a high power density laser beam to join two materials together, creating a deep, narrow weld.
Laser welding is known for its versatility and high productivity, especially for thin section materials and for welding at high speeds. Compared with other welding techniques, such as MIG and TIG, it has relatively low heat input overall, resulting in low distortion, excellent mechanical properties and minimal post weld machining.
CVE has completed a thorough programme of development work over the past few years, developing systems for welding in a protective atmosphere, in a vacuum chamber and with a local vacuum.
The process presents the following characteristics:
Laser welding is known for its versatility and high productivity, especially for thin section materials and for welding at high speeds. Compared with other welding techniques, such as MIG and TIG, it has relatively low heat input overall, resulting in low distortion, excellent mechanical properties and minimal post weld machining.
CVE has completed a thorough programme of development work over the past few years, developing systems for welding in a protective atmosphere, in a vacuum chamber and with a local vacuum.
The process presents the following characteristics:
Send us your drawings and our applications team will review the component, then advise on feasibility, achievable weld depth and whether atmospheric, local vacuum or in vacuum laser welding is the right route.
Joint faces are cleaned, degreased and fixtured. Because a laser weld is narrow, joint fit up and a consistent gap matter, particularly on the thin section materials the process suits best.
The weld can be made at atmospheric pressure with a shielding gas, inside a vacuum chamber, or with a local vacuum applied at the joint. CVE has developed systems for all three.
The beam is taken from the laser source to the joint. Fibre optic delivery allows the welding head to sit remote from the power source, so with a shielding gas there is no chamber and no limit on component size.
The high power density beam forms a keyhole and produces a deep, narrow weld at high travel speed. Welding in a vacuum significantly increases the depth of the weld.
Welds are checked against the agreed procedure and acceptance criteria. CVE operates a Quality Management System that complies with the requirements of BS EN ISO 9001:2015.
If your question is not covered here, send it over using the form and one of our engineers will come back to you.
Tell us about your component or fabrication and we will advise on the right approach.