YAG Laser Welding Machine for Metal

What Is Mold Laser Welding Used For?

A YAG laser welding machine is a specialized precision welder built for mold and die repair. It uses a pulsed Nd:YAG laser beam that delivers energy in short pulses, concentrating heat on a tiny spot while keeping the surrounding mold steel cool. This allows toolmakers to fill dents, weld cracks, and build up worn edges on injection molds and die casting dies without warping the mold or damaging adjacent surfaces.

The machine includes a microscope for viewing the weld area at 20x magnification, a precision X-Y table for positioning the mold, and a fine wire feeder for adding filler metal. Toolmakers use it daily in mold shops to repair production molds without removing them from the press or sending them out.

What Mold Repairs Can It Handle?

1. Filling dents, blowholes, and surface defects in mold cavities.
2. Welding cracks in mold inserts and core pins.
3. Building up worn edges and parting lines.
4. Repairing die casting dies subjected to thermal fatigue.
5. Adding material to undersized mold dimensions for re-machining.

Typical Specifications:

• Laser type: Nd:YAG pulsed laser
• Laser power: 200W, 300W, 400W options
• Wavelength: 1064nm
• Spot diameter: 0.1-2.0mm adjustable
• Pulse energy: Up to 90J per pulse
• Pulse width: 0.2-20ms
• Microscope magnification: 10x-40x
• X-Y table travel: 100mm x 100mm
• Filler wire diameter: 0.2-0.6mm
• Power supply: 220V single phase
• Weight: Approximately 300kg

Who Buys a Mold Laser Welder?

This machine is for:

1. Mold and die shops repairing injection molds.
2. Die casting shops maintaining production dies.
3. Tool rooms building and repairing custom tooling.
4. Plastic injection molding shops doing in-house mold repair.
5. Jewelry and dental labs using micro-welding for precision work.

TIG vs YAG Laser: Why Molds Use Laser

TIG welding introduces too much heat for precision mold repair, causing warping and requiring extensive post-weld machining. YAG laser welding delivers pinpoint heat to a 0.1mm spot, so the repair area stays within a 1mm zone and requires minimal grinding and polishing after welding.

FAQ:

Q: Can it weld hardened steel molds without annealing?

A: Yes. The pulsed YAG laser introduces minimal heat, so most repairs on hardened mold steel can be welded without preheating or post-weld heat treatment. For large repairs, preheating to 200-300C may be recommended.

Q: What filler wire materials are available?

A: Common filler wires match mold steel grades: H13, P20, 718, S136, and stainless grades. The wire is selected to match the mold base material.

Q: How small a defect can it repair?

A: The minimum spot size is 0.1mm, so it can fill pinholes and hairline cracks that TIG welding cannot reach.

Q: Does it require water cooling?

A: Yes. The YAG laser rod and power supply require closed-loop water cooling. The chiller is built into the machine cabinet.

Q: How does it compare to fiber laser welders for mold repair?

A: Fiber lasers are better for production welding of large parts. YAG lasers produce a smaller spot and more precise pulse control, which is why they remain the standard for mold and die repair work.