I love these tech discussion on laser welding. I cannot resist
mentioning that this is the fundamental reason LaserStar recommends
the 2 day training course for all new laser welder purchases and for
new hires without prior laser experience. Jewelry training courses
are held in at our LaserStar Learning Centers in Orlando, FL and Los
Angeles, CA.
Cover gas typically Argon in standard 99.99% or UHP 99.999% grades
are very helpful in laser welding. There are substantial benefits to
the UHP argon and it is required for Titanium, all eyeglasses as they
are made from mystery metals, and palladium. Here is some typical
info we provide to our students:
“When some metals transition to liquid the oxygen atoms in the
atmosphere may try to share electrons with the metals atoms. When
they do so the oxygen atoms move in between the metals atoms (oxygen
enters the liquid). As the metal cools and transitions from liquid
back to solid the oxygen left in the crystal lattice can create a
weak molecular bond thus causing weakness in the metal. Also, not all
of the oxygen is trapped as the metal transitions back to solid, some
of the oxygen is expelled and creates gas bubbles while escaping.
These bubbles solidify on the surface in the form of popped bubbles
(pits). A well placed cover gas is required in order to keep the
oxygen in the atmosphere away from the liquid and alleviate this
problem.”
Also, to those out there who bought laser welders with pulse shaping
capabilities but since they were not pre-programmed or you were not
properly trained, get off your duff and learn yourself how to use
them. Get your operations manual or call the actual manufacturer for
support. It frustrates me when you have the technology at your finger
tips to have better welding success.
This is why all LaserStar welders come pre-programmed with 23 of the
most common jewelry laser welding jobs and include the required
pulse shape. If your laser does not have pulse shaping technology,
its ok. With the proper techniques, you can achieve good welds with
experience. It just takes time.
Best Regards,
Andre Friedmann
Sales Manager
LaserStar Technologies Corporation
Crafford LaserStar does offer a 2 day class at their RI facility.
I took that class when I bought my LaserStar. It is one of the
reasons I chose LaserStar. It looked like training and support was
going to be there when I needed it. Have not been disappointed.
I would recommend this class, but there really is a need for a
higher level class, I think. Laser welding precious metals has now
been around longnenough that I am sure there are some highly
experienced operators, who have taken the technology well beyond
those basicly intro level courses.
Agreed. At the LaserStar course we were learning from scratch. It
took me the entire first day to get so I could find my work in the
cross-hairs. A more advanced course would be a great, or at least a
conference seminar.
As with many laser applications the solution is counter intuitive for
us 30+ year torch guys. The trick is not to try to put a tip on top
of the previous paper thin tip. I actually grind off the old tip at
the angle of the crown facets so the old prong would at same plane. A
new tip is placed over the new prong and the stone (I mostly use the
solderless Redi-prong’s for convenience but I make prong tips too).
When the tip is in place the first weld is at a 45 degree angle down
from the top of the stone out, as if your beam were filing the
outside of the prong with a file but using your beam instead. This
way you are never pointed at the stone. Unfortunately this is easier
to show than describe but it works like a charm. I still never do
this to a stone I can’t afford to replace but I’ve been retipping
melee of all varieties for years.
Crafford LaserStar does offer a 2 day class at their RI facility.
I am just off the phone with Giles at LaserStar, who was my trainer
exactly six years ago today. They have moved the training to Orlando
Florida. They are offering advanced training seminars now.
I am just off the phone with Giles at LaserStar, who was my
trainer exactly six years ago today. They have moved the training
to Orlando Florida. They are offering advanced training seminars
now.
Thank you. I will call them to see what they are offering next
spring, and what they mean by advanced training.