Correctly dosing the shielding gas is very important to achieve optimal laser welding outcomes. Ideally, a laminar flow of gas flows homogeneously over the process point. If the shielding gas input is too low, it will not be fully protective and moisture from the gas or air will enter the weld. Too many protective gases will create a vortex, which will carry air into the weld position.

The weld seam is coloured to indicate the amount of shielding gas used.

A gray weld seam indicates that no shielding gas was used. If the weld turns yellow, the measurement must continue to be optimised. If the shielding gas has been optimally metered, a high-gloss weld will be formed. The shielding gas spray nozzle with ray regulator allows a uniform flow of shielding gas. The same effect can be achieved by means of a steel wool in the nozzle.

Transverse gas curtain: A wind curtain can be used for welding applications that generate large amounts of spatter and vapors. The air curtain must be set so that the shielding gas is not affected by the air curtain flow.

Recommendation:A simple test can determine if the jet gas is optimally set: hold a strip of paper above the workpiece and set the air pressure for the jet so that the paper is not pressed down or drawn in by the jet.