Welding
Brackets, frames and assemblies are welded on a dedicated fixture table, so parts are held square while they are joined. Three processes cover thin sheet to heavier sections.
At a glance
- Processes
- Laser welding, MIG and TIG
- Laser welding range
- 0.5 to 5mm (aluminium from 1mm)
- Table size
- 2900mm × 1400mm, 6mm thick plate
Three processes#
Laser welding
A focused beam melts a narrow seam with very little heat spread into the surrounding sheet, so thin parts stay flat and the weld is neat. Well suited to sheet metal enclosures and visible seams.
| Material | Laser welding thickness |
|---|---|
| Stainless, steel, galvanised steel | 0.5 to 5mm |
| Aluminium | 1 to 5mm |
| Brass | 0.5 to 5mm |
MIG
Wire fed continuously through the torch: quick, strong and forgiving on gaps. The usual choice for steel brackets, frames and heavier sections.
TIG
Slower and more controlled, giving a clean, precise weld. Often chosen for stainless and aluminium, and wherever the weld is on show.
You do not need to choose: tell us what the part does and where the weld will be seen, and we pick the process.
Joints#
Designing for welding#
- Locate with tabs and slots. Laser-cut tabs that drop into slots in the mating part hold an assembly in position before it is welded, and make it hard to put together wrong.
- Allow for heat. Long welds on thin sheet pull it out of shape. Short stitch welds, or laser welding, keep it flat.
- Galvanised steel loses its zinc coating at the weld. Say if the finished part will be outside, and we will advise on treating the weld.
- Mark the weld on the drawing: where it goes, and whether it needs grinding flush.