At the beginning of 2022, we delivered a PWS 3.1 laser station for pipe welding to a commercial customer (Lambro 92, a.s.). The requirement was to replace an older outdated system using a CO2 laser.
This was to supply a complete system to complement an existing stainless steel tube forming line. Thanks to the ARM laser source, the new system also allows welding of other materials such as aluminium, copper and galvanised steel.
PWS assembly
The complete PWS (Profile Welding System) consists of a HighLight ARM 6kW laser source and a station that includes an optical process head and all necessary sensors, controls and communication interfaces for connection to the forming line.
The PWS allows dynamic monitoring of the weld gap (seam) and active real-time compensation of the laser spot position and other system parameters. The PWS is designed for welding speeds up to 60 m/min.
6kW Coherent HighLight ARM fiber laser
- Unique coaxial dual beam arrangement
- Dynamic power control
- 5-stage anti-reflection protection
- Ability to weld various materials such as iron, stainless steel, copper, aluminum
PWS station generation 3.1
- Motorized positioning of the process head in Z,X,Y axis
- Active compensation of weld seam movement
Advantages of the new solution
- The cost per operating hour for a fiber laser is half the cost per hour of a CO2 laser after 45,000 h at the same power level and the same operating hours.
- The investment in a fibre laser welding system is approximately 20% less than a CO2 laser system at the same power level - comparing the case of purchasing a new PWS system with a DC CO2 laser.
- For austenitic and ferritic stainless steels using a fiber laser, process speeds are approximately 10-20% higher. Of course, it depends on the customer's requirements for the weld design.
- The energy efficiency of the PWS assembly with fiber laser is approximately 5 times higher compared to a solution using a CO2 laser.
