What is laser welding?
(This white paper compiled by Dr. C. Vance Cast) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Laser beam welding (LBW) is a welding technique used to join multiple pieces of metal through the use of a laser. The beam provides a concentrated heat source, allowing for narrow, deep welds and high welding rates. The process is frequently used in high volume applications, such as in the automotive industry. Operation Like electron beam welding (EBW), laser beam welding has high power density (on the order of 1 Megawatt/cm²(MW)) resulting in small heat-affected zones and high heating and cooling rates. The spot size of the laser can vary between 0.2 mm and 13 mm, though only smaller sizes are used for welding. The depth of penetration is proportional to the amount of power supplied, but is also dependent on the location of the focal point: penetration is maximized when the focal point is slightly below the surface of the workpiece. A continuous or pulsed laser beam may be used depending upon the ap
Gemstones and other jewelry materials may be very sensitive to heat as well as temperature changes in general. Heating and rapid cooling will shatter even the most durable of materials. Frequently jewelry is damaged in close proximity to a sensitive material such as enamel. Because enamel is actually just glass that has been melted and fused to metal, the prolonged heat required to solder gold, silver or platinum by conventional means is likely to cause damage. Along comes the laser. Laser applied heat is generated so quickly that there is little or no buildup of heat in the metal, therefore enamel or gems set adjacent to the repaired area are not susceptible to the extremes that cause damage. Because the heat is applied and removed so quickly, metals can be fused without damaging even the most sensitive materials such as shell cameos, amber, and pearls. If you have been told that a special piece of your jewelry is not repairable because of the delicate materials it contains, you now h
