22 May 2017

Difference between laser and electron beam welding

What is laser beam welding?

A welding technique used to join pieces of metal or thermoplastics through the use of a laser is called laser beam welding. 

What is electron beam welding?

Electron beam welding is a fusion welding process in which a beam of high-velocity electrons is applied to the material and thus welding is done. 

Electron beam welding and laser beam welding are two very popular methods used for welding. Let us have a deep insight into the difference between both of welding process.

Difference between laser and electron beam welding : 

  • EBW is performed in a high vacuum environment, which is most suitable for titanium, refractory metals and flammable metals. while LBW is not performed under a vacuum environment it usually performed with shielding gas such as argon or nitrogen.
  • EBW is usually narrower than the laser weld. The LBW weld is particularly suited for high volume application. 
  • EBW cost is higher than the LBW.
  • In EBW X-rays is generated while not generated in LBW.
  • Size of the workpiece is limited because of vacuum size in EBW while LBW can weld any size of workpieces.
  • The power efficiency of EBW is 80 to 90 % and 7 to 10 % is for LBW. 
  • Penetration is deep in case of EBW while lake penetration in LBW.