Metals Soldering by Nd:YAG Laser and Conventional Method a comparative study

Abstract

This research aimed to compare between two soldering techniques, conventional and laser methods. Metallic pieces were joined in two ways: butt and overlap as known soldering designs. The test pieces were soldered manually by 100 W electrical tool. Similar numbers of pieces were soldered by Nd:YAG laser with 50 W. The test pieces, for both traditional and laser, were tested for tensile and shear strengths. The tensile test results showed the laser superiority on the conventional method in loading and ductility. The shear test results showed that laser still super in loading but ductility declined given traditional electric soldering better ductility. Nd:YAG laser soldering gave fast and clean joints in addition to its ability to solder sensitive and intricate designs. Conventional electric soldering method is more suitable for open, plane joints.