SAIW to Revolutionise Local Manufacturing Sector with Laser Welding Training
- Laser welding technology has the potential to revolutionise engineering applications.
- Golden opportunity for South African welders to quickly advance their skills.
- SAIW fills training gap to create a pool of highly skilled, qualified laser welders.
The Southern African Institute of Welding (SAIW) is set to revolutionise the local manufacturing sector with the introduction of laser welding training. This initiative stems from the increasing popularity of laser welding over the past three years, with fabricators and manufacturers realising the benefits of this value-adding alternative to conventional welding.
SAIW Technical and Practical Welding Manager Confidence Lekoane explains, “This initiative is in response to the growing interest in laser welding technology amongst our members, particularly to avoid the costs associated with distortion when welding thin material gauge using conventional welding equipment.
“The market needs qualified laser welders, and the SAIW has the facilities to provide the necessary training. We are therefore planning to run the laser welding course to enable both employed and unemployed individuals to become qualified laser welders. The course can also be tailored to accommodate welders in other industries as demand grows.”
Revolutionising engineering applications
To ensure it provides the latest laser equipment, the SAIW is in talks with various industry experts and suppliers, including Factory Smart. Key Accounts Manager John-Owen Welgemoed outlines the advantages of this emerging technology in welding circles, explaining, “Laser welding technology has the potential to revolutionise engineering applications as it is an inexpensive alternative to conventional welding techniques.
“Other benefits of laser welding include neater, safer, and faster production at a reduced cost. Additionally, local small businesses could benefit from this cost-effective, easy-to-use, portable, and single-phase power, plug-in system that allows welding anywhere.”
A cooler, cleaner weld
Laser welding also provides a cooler and cleaner weld and allows operators to weld three to four times faster than the MIG or TIG methods. The heat-affected zone is much smaller, resulting in little to no distortion.
In addition, there is far less splatter and little smoke, and the radiation output is far lower compared to MIG or TIG welding, making it safer to operate. Accuracy and strength are also enhanced, as the laser method achieves a good, clean, smooth weld 99% of the time, reducing the need for refinishing, such as grinding and polishing.
Laser welds are also exceptionally strong, as the laser beam safely penetrates deep into the welded product, giving the welder more control since the line of sight is not obstructed by the full-face mask typically needed for protection against arc eyes and harmful fumes.
Closing the skills gap
Looking to the future, Confidence Lekoane says, “Laser welding presents opportunities for welders to easily advance their skills and get up to speed with new ways of working. It can also empower people who have never welded before, as the laser welding technique can be mastered incredibly quickly.”
To further aid with the development of this technology, the SAIW is in discussions to host an in-depth laser welding seminar in association with the Southern African Stainless Steel Development Association (Sassda) and other industry experts later this year.
For more information, email training@saiw.co.za or call (011) 298-2100.
