The 3-in-1 laser welding machine combines three functions in a single unit: welding, cleaning and metal cutting. This solution reduces the number of separate machines required at the workstation and enhances the capabilities of a workshop or production facility.
The 3-in-1 laser welder combines three functions in a single machine: welding, cleaning and metal cutting. This solution reduces the number of separate machines required at the workstation and enhances the capabilities of a workshop or production facility.
The most important function remains laser welding, which ensures high working speed, a narrow weld and a limited heat-affected zone. The additional cleaning and cutting modes, meanwhile, can streamline the preparation and finishing of components.
Can a 3-in-1 machine replace three separate machines? For many workshop tasks – to some extent, yes. However, it is important to bear in mind that the cutting or cleaning functions will not always replace a specialised cutting machine or a professional laser cleaning machine.
How does a 3-in-1 laser welder work?
The machine uses a fibre laser source and a handheld working head. Depending on the selected mode, the beam parameters are adjusted to suit the specific task.
The operator can use the machine for:
- weld metal components,
- cleaning surfaces and welds,
- removing post-weld discolouration,
- auxiliary cutting of thin components,
- preparing material for further processing.
Changing functions requires the appropriate parameter settings and, depending on the machine’s design, the use of the correct nozzle or head configuration.
Laser welding – the primary function
The greatest advantage of the machine is its ability to join metal quickly with a relatively low heat input.
The 3-in-1 laser welder can be used, amongst other things, for stainless steel, structural steel and aluminium, provided, of course, that the appropriate parameters are selected for the specific material.
Compared with traditional welding methods, laser technology often produces a narrower and more aesthetically pleasing weld. The limited heat-affected zone reduces the risk of deformation in thin components.
This is particularly advantageous in the manufacture of enclosures, cabinets, metal furniture, balustrades, tanks and stainless steel components.
Laser cleaning after welding
The second function is laser cleaning. The beam can be used to remove discolouration, tarnish and some surface contaminants.
In practice, this function is particularly useful for cleaning welds and their immediate surroundings.
This means the operator does not have to use a grinder or other mechanical methods every time. This reduces the number of operations required for a single workpiece.
However, it should be borne in mind that a 3-in-1 laser welder will not always be a complete substitute for a dedicated laser cleaner. If the main task is the intensive removal of rust, paint or coatings from large surfaces, a machine designed exclusively for cleaning may be more suitable.
Can a 3-in-1 laser welder really cut?
Yes, but the cutting function should primarily be regarded as an additional feature.
A properly configured beam can cut through thin material or assist with simple workshop tasks. This is useful when fitting components, making minor adjustments or cutting off sections of material.
However, a 3-in-1 laser welder is no substitute for a professional fibre laser cutter equipped with a CNC table.
A cutting machine is designed for the rapid, automated and precise production of complex shapes according to a programme. The cutting function in a 3-in-1 machine is intended more for auxiliary tasks carried out manually.
Why can a single machine speed up the work?
The greatest benefit of 3-in-1 technology is that it reduces the number of set-up changes.
The operator can first prepare the surface, then make the weld, and subsequently clean the joint. All operations can be carried out using a single laser source.
This reduces the need to move the workpiece between stations and minimises the time required to set up subsequent stations.
The benefit is particularly evident in short and medium-run production, where a single operator carries out several processing stages.
3-in-1 laser welder with wire feeder
For some joints, the use of filler material is required. In such cases, an automatic wire feeder is a useful piece of equipment.
The wire is fed directly to the welding site, which makes it easier to fill gaps and create joints requiring filler material.
The feeder expands the machine’s range of applications, but does not eliminate the need for components to be correctly aligned. The more precisely the edges are prepared, the easier it is to achieve an aesthetically pleasing and repeatable weld.
When is it worth choosing a 3-in-1 laser welder?
This solution is particularly appealing to companies that carry out a variety of tasks and wish to increase the versatility of a single workstation.
It is suitable, amongst other things, for workshops producing stainless steel structures, enclosures, tanks, balustrades, metal furniture and components made from thin and medium-gauge sheet metal.
A 3-in-1 machine is also worth considering when space is limited. A single machine can handle several operations that previously required the use of different machines.
Will a 3-in-1 machine always be the best solution?
Not in every case.
If a company primarily carries out welding, and only occasionally performs cleaning and cutting, the additional functions will be very practical.
However, if a facility cleans large surfaces of rust and coatings on a daily basis, a dedicated laser cleaning machine may be more efficient. Similarly, for the batch cutting of components from sheet metal, a CNC laser cutting machine will be a far better solution.
The greatest advantage of the 3-in-1 system is therefore its versatility, rather than its ability to replace every specialised machine.
Summary
A 3-in-1 laser welder can combine welding, cleaning and auxiliary metal cutting at a single workstation. It offers its greatest advantage in welding, where laser technology enables high speed, an aesthetically pleasing weld and a limited heat-affected zone.
The cleaning function facilitates the preparation and finishing of joints, whilst the cutting capability proves useful for simple auxiliary operations.
For workshops carrying out a variety of tasks, the CORMAK 3-in-1 laser welder can be a practical solution for increasing the capabilities of a single workstation, reducing the number of machines required and streamlining the entire processing workflow.
