As a rule of thumb, the more you can control the welding parameters, the more you can do with the equipment and the more welding options you’ll have. Here are some definitions of key features of welders:
Weld power is the amount of power needed to enact a melt pool. There are several components to power:
- Power supply, measured in watts
- Average power, also measured in watts
- Maximum pulse energy, measured in joules
- Peak power, measured in kilowatts
Pulse shaping allows you to shape a pulse of energy to effectively pre-heat, weld and slow cool in milliseconds in order to condition alloys that are susceptible to solidification cracking.
Focal spot is controlled by a beam expander or focusing module and it allows you to have complete control over the diameter of the laser beam at focus.
Continuous pulse is the repetition rate at which the laser will fire when the foot pedal is depressed. Older, single-pulse-version lasers required you to depress the pedal for every pulse of energy wanted. Today’s lasers are continuous pulse, allowing the operator to call for up to 20 pulses per second while the foot pedal is depressed.
Duration is measured in milliseconds and refers to the length of time the lamp flashes, allowing for a longer or wider pulse of energy.
Frequency, measured in Hz, is the number of times per second that the laser is fired.
Editor's note: Special thanks to Paul Giovannone, CDT, Biogenic Technical Instruction, for these definitions.
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