Laser soldering: the technology
Laser soldering is a non-contact process: the laser beam heats up the solder. This is then introduced to the process as a filler wire, which usually consists of copper or zinc alloys. The solder then melts and fills the joint gap. The melt fuses the two components.
Laser soldering is subdivided into two variants:
- Laser hard soldering, or laser brazing, with melting temperatures above 450 degrees Celsius:
This joining technique uses diode lasers with higher power and is used primarily in the automotive industry. - Soft laser soldering with melting temperatures below 450 degrees Celsius:
This technique is commonly used in the manufacture of electronic components.