Precision welding solutions for highly reflective materials
STRION LASER has successfully completed a challenging welding application involving mirror-finish stainless steel — a material known for its high reflectivity and smooth surface. This application underscores the capabilities of STRION LASER’s handheld laser welding system in overcoming the inherent difficulties of reflective metal surfaces.
Welding Challenge: High Reflectivity
Mirror-finish stainless steel features an ultra-smooth, highly reflective surface that tends to reflect laser beams rather than absorb them, making it difficult to establish a stable melt pool. This poses a unique challenge in laser welding, as poor absorption can lead to weak penetration and inconsistent results.
Welding Tips for Mirror-Finish Stainless Steel
To ensure welding success, STRION LASER’s technical team implemented the following best practices:
Surface Cleaning: Prior to welding, all oils, oxides, and surface contaminants were thoroughly removed to minimize spatter and ensure stable arc formation.
Oscillation Frequency: The wobble frequency was optimized at around 50 Hz. Frequencies that are too high or too low tend to increase spatter and compromise weld appearance.
Focus Positioning:
Positive Defocus (focus above the surface): Results in lower energy density and a wider, more stable weld pool with reduced spatter.
Negative Defocus (focus below the surface): Increases energy density and penetration depth, but may cause more spatter.
Shielding Gas Selection: The use of nitrogen or argon as shielding gas helped reduce oxidation and suppress spatter during the welding process.
Welding effect
Despite the complexity of welding mirror-finish stainless steel, STRION LASER’s handheld laser welding solution delivered clean, uniform welds with minimal spatter and excellent surface finish — demonstrating the equipment’s ability to handle difficult materials while maintaining efficiency and operator control.
Welding reflective materials such as mirror-finish stainless steel requires not only advanced laser welding equipment but also precise control over process parameters. STRION LASER’s handheld laser welding machine continues to prove its value in field applications, offering manufacturers a flexible, high-performance laser welding solution for a wide range of demanding tasks.
