The laser welding process utilises an amplified beam of light at a specific wavelength to create a solid and almost seamless weld in seconds. It sounds like a complicated process but is really very simple.

The beam of light emitted from a laser welder is concentrated, adjusted and controlled by the operator, in much the same way as the flame of a soldering torch is regulated by a jeweller. However, compared to soldering, laser welding is faster, cleaner, and more cost-effective for many manufacturing and repair applications.

This type of welding application is perfect for use on precious metals, which is why most jewellers in Australia use jewellery laser welding machines.

All the traditional jewellery metals can be laser welded:

• All Base Metals

• Karat Gold

• Sterling Silver

• Titanium

• Palladium

• Platinum

Platinum, historically one of the most difficult metals to work with and repair, is one of the easiest metals to laser weld. Welding different metals together is also possible, for example gold to platinum and sterling silver to gold.

The jewellery laser welders we offer are extremely user-friendly. These machines have a short learning curve so any entry-level jewellery personnel can be quickly and easily trained to perform basic welding applications. While there is no substitute for an experienced bench jeweller, many repairs that traditionally could have only been handled by a jeweller can now be completed by other members of your shop staff. Experienced jewellers who have laser welders generally find that it takes between 10–20 hours of hands-on practice using the laser welder to become proficient for all their standard applications.

CASTING

Even when using high-tech casting machines, a common problem in the casting and manufacturing process is porosity of the metal, which creates pitted castings. Whether the porosity is discovered in the raw casting or in a finished, polished, stone-set piece of jewellery, almost all porosity can be corrected and repaired by adding metal to the porous area using a jewellery laser welder, without removing stones that have already been set.

Repairing cast jewellery pieces with a laser welding machine is quick and easy, and it eliminates the time involved in removing set stones. The time and expense to recast is no longer an issue because there is no need to recast. These applications are just a few of the ways adding a laser welder to your jewellery manufacturing processes will save you time and money while increasing your casting productivity.

ASSEMBLY

Laser welding is easily adaptable to many assembly operations. Since there is no solder involved, there is a substantial savings. Also, laser welding prevents the “halo” effect that can be produced when using a solder. Many traditional assembly methods require wiring or stringing techniques to hold pieces in place prior to soldering. With laser welding, these pieces are now tacked together very quickly, eliminating the time involved in these traditional methods.

Laser welding machines make it easier for jewellery manufacturers to produce a high-quality and near-perfect piece of jewellery. Manufacturers who incorporate jewellery laser welders into their processes find new uses for these machines that boost production and reduce errors.