When choosing a handheld laser welding machine, many customers ask about the difference between pulse welding and continuous welding. In fact, the main difference between the two lies in their different application scenarios.
Pulse welding is mainly suitable for precision welding of thin sheets, especially materials within 2mm thickness. Due to its lower heat input, pulse welding produces less deformation, discoloration, and bulging during the welding process, making it ideal for products with high appearance requirements.
For example, in the sheet metal enclosure and cabinet industry, reinforcing ribs were traditionally fixed by using adhesive or conventional welding methods. However, adhesive bonding may become loose over time, while traditional welding can leave visible marks on the back of the material, requiring additional post-processing. With pulse laser welding, the weld seam is smoother and cleaner, with less discoloration and no obvious bulging, making subsequent painting and finishing processes much easier.
In addition, for applications such as enclosure structure assembly, outer corner welding, and inner corner welding, pulse welding provides excellent results. The weld seam requires minimal grinding, and after painting, the welding area can be effectively covered, achieving a better overall appearance.
At the same time, pulse welding offers high welding speed, reaching approximately 3–4 meters per minute, and requires less welding experience from operators.
Pulse laser welding machines are widely used in industries such as advertising signs, lighting products, sheet metal reinforcement, and electrical enclosures.
Continuous welding is more suitable for products requiring higher welding strength. Continuous handheld laser welding machines support wire feeding, providing stronger weld filling capability and more reliable welding strength. They can also weld thicker materials, such as metal sheets up to approximately 7mm thickness.
Compared with pulse welding, continuous welding provides better adaptability for applications with welding gaps. However, pulse welding does not support wire feeding and relies on the fusion of the base materials themselves, meaning the workpieces need to fit tightly with minimal gaps.
In simple terms, pulse welding is more suitable for thin sheet welding, spot welding, fixing welding, and applications requiring a high-quality appearance. Continuous welding is more suitable for full seam welding, thicker materials, and structural components requiring higher strength.
If the product requires a beautiful weld appearance and minimal deformation, a pulse laser welding machine is recommended. If the product requires higher welding strength, thicker materials, or needs to handle certain gaps between workpieces, a continuous handheld laser welding machine is the better choice.
