A laser welding machine joins metal with a focused fibre laser beam. Handheld welders look like a TIG torch on a cable, with a wobble head that spreads the beam for a wider bead and an optional wire feeder. They weld thin stainless and mild steel much faster than TIG with very little distortion; automatic versions sit on robots or CNC tables.
Quick facts
- Laser source
- Fibre, about 1–3 kW handheld
- Thickness
- About 0.5–4 mm (0.0197–0.157 inch) in one pass handheld
- Head
- Wobble head; some also cut and clean
- Filler
- Optional wire feeder
- Shielding gas
- Argon or nitrogen
- Safety
- Laser-safe screens and eyewear needed
Main parts
- Fibre laser source and chiller
- Handheld torch with wobble optics, or a fixed head on a robot
- Wire feeder
- Gas supply
- Control panel with stored settings per material
Laser welding machine or TIG?
| Laser welder | TIG | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed on thin sheet | Much faster | Slow |
| Distortion | Very low | Higher |
| Skill to learn | Easier | Longer |
| Machine cost | Higher | Lower |
Good to know
- Good fit-up matters: small gaps only
- Reflective metals (aluminium, copper) need more power
- Operators and bystanders need proper laser protection
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Questions
- How thick can a handheld laser welder weld?
- About 3–4 mm (0.118–0.157 inch) in steel with 1.5–2 kW in one pass, and more with higher power or several passes.
- Is a handheld laser welder safe?
- Only with a closed area or laser screens, certified eyewear and proper training; the beam can harm eyes from reflections.
- Does a laser welder need filler wire?
- Not for tight joints on thin sheet. A wire feeder helps with gaps and fillet welds.
The figures on this page are typical values for guidance, written by Diemeco from standard engineering practice. They are not a specification: confirm grades and properties with the relevant standard or the supplier's mill test certificate, and tolerances with your workshop. Last checked 23 October 2026.