• The process of welding with laser beams occurs when the machine produces an intense beam of photons, otherwise known as a light ray. This beam heats up the metal rapidly which is how the pieces become fused. Laser beam welding is known to be effective because the metal which has been welded cools very quickly due to the small, focused laser beam. This type of precise welding is preferred for its ability to work with thick metals at high speed and high yield. This type of welding is very effective for mass production, such as occurs in the automotive industry. However, there are said to be just as many disadvantages of laser beam welding.
  
  

Health and Safety

• Severe retinal damage can occur with beam operators from looking into the intense beam of the laser for long periods of time. Because of this, protective eyewear is a requirement in most facilities where laser beams are used. Operators have also been known to suffer tissue damage from the use of laser beam welders. Shielding around the eyes and around the workpiece is often used as protection. Some facilities construct low cost enclosures at each station to ensure full safety and protection.
  
  

Extensive Training

• General maintenance of laser welders is relatively inexpensive, which is one reason for its wide usage. However, special training for both the machine operators and any maintenance employees when needed can become a large expense. These employees must be trained to understand the different types of subtleties which influence laser output. These differences are more complex than other welding operations due to the type of machinery used. Special training is also needed to train personnel to be able to quickly detect welding defects and be prepared to take safe, immediate action at a moment's notice.
  
  

Cost

• By all accounts, laser welding equipment is very expensive. The complexity of the actual equipment, high cost of operation and fitting requirements are the main reasons for the extremely high cost. In fact, some large corporations do not disclose information about their total expenditures related to the use and maintenance of their laser welding machines in order to keep this information from their competitors.