Laser soldering is interesting for a number of industries and can be used efficiently

Whether it is for bodywork panels or soldering electronic components – laser soldering creates precise connections.

A distinction is made between two methods, laser soldering and laser brazing. The main difference between the two is the temperature. A process which takes place below melting temperature, in other words below 450°C, is known as laser soldering, whilst one above 450°C is brazing. Laser soldering is primarily used when a high level of precision is required and wave soldering is out of its depth. It is therefore a selective soldering process. For mass soldering and wave soldering the components are transported through the system on transport belts. The soldering temperature is between 250 and 280°C – often too high for heat-sensitive components. The thermal stress on the component is significantly lower in laser soldering because energy is only released at the actual solder point. Wave soldering is only of limited suitability for very small components with tiny soldering points. The solder for laser soldering is created in the component as a solder deposit or applied using solder paste or solder wire. The melting filling material flows between the parts being connected, thus making contact. Soldering is particularly used for components in the optoelectronics industry, electronics and semi-conductor production. The trend towards the miniaturisation of components is making classic soldering more and more difficult because the soldering iron must always be in contact with the component but this is hardly feasible on small PCBs simply for reasons of space. On the other hand, laser soldering requires no contact and achieves a defined soldering point with micrometre precision.

Laser brazing – particularly interesting for the automotive industry

In contrast to welding, there is no need for the parts being connected to be made of the same material if they are to be brazed. This means that laser brazing can also be used to join components of different types. The brazing material is an important additive to connect the parts and bridge gaps. Laser brazing creates very smooth, clean surfaces which can then be galvanised with the brazed component. The smooth appearance of laser welds makes laser brazing the method of choice if the weld is visible on the finished car, for example in the boot lid.

Would you like to know more about laser soldering and laser brazing? Contact us. We have years of experience and will be delighted to advise you about how to use laser soldering and brazing efficiently in your company. Send a mail to info@gkteso.de.