The increasing complexity of microelectronics/engineering devices and the requirement for higher yields and automated production systems place stringent demands on the assembly techniques and performance requirements of materials and joining techniques. This has led to increasing interest in the use of low power lasers for microwelding of small assemblies. Of particular interest to micro-component industries is the ability of such lasers to apply controlled amounts of energy in precise areas, utilizing extremely low heat input, resulting in very low distortion, and coupled with the ability to operate at high production rates in a flexible manner.
These trends result in the need for new materials and assembly technologies and are consequently the adoption of laser as production tools. GSI Group, Laser Division manufactures a range of low power lamp pumped pulsed lasers and single mode fiber lasers for microwelding. In this paper, the results of an investigation into the microwelding of a range of materials using a 125W lamp pumped pulsed Nd: YAG laser and Continuous wave single mode fiber lasers (100-200W) are reported. Continuous and pulsed modes of operation were investigated in terms of weld penetration depth, welding speed joint configuration and material suitability.