Laser Welds – Types

There are three key weld geometries used in laser welding: butt, lap and fillet. Each has features that align with certain applications.

Butt Weld

• Most efficient for laser power vs weld strength & speed
• Weld strength directly related to weld depth
• Least forgiving for part fit-up
• Minimum part thickness limitation

Lap Weld

• Weld strength from weld width at interface
• Most forgiving for part fit-up
• Thin (top) to thick preferred

Fillet Weld

If the laser is angled to the workpiece:

• More efficient for strength
• More forgiving for fit-up
• May require more complex configuration/motion

If the laser is aligned with the workpiece:

• More convenient for tooling and configuration
• Thickness of top part limited to 0.02″