Automotive

Many parts on or in the automobile are laser welded, laser-cut or laser inscribed. The following examples give you some insight into a numerous application possibilities of the laser in the automotive industry.

Powertrain.

Powertrain

The axle housing consists of formed sheet metal.
The laser beam welds it to the axle ends,which are completely fabricated. The laser welds the 12.5 millimeter-deep I seam in 17 seconds, without warping or the need for refinishing. ...

Hot forming

Modern automobiles are not only characterized by better driving features and better mileage – they also satisfy the requirements of the latest crash test standards. This is achieved, among other ways, by using high-tensile strength steels like the martensite-hardened heat-treated steel 22MnB5 in the area in the passenger compartment. The laser is used throughout the press hardening process chain, due to its versatility: when applying wear-resistant layers on molding and cutting tools, in flexible part cutting, joining assemblies with laser welding, and when inscribing parts for traceability. ...
Body in white.

Body in white

Laser welding seams are used in the roof and the side and floor assemblies, for example. Strong, slim and so perfect, the seams can be painted without refinishing. ...

Control elements
Speedometers, tachometers, window cranks, radio buttons, navigation system shields and the covers for automatic gear shift levers are all inscribed using lasers. These elements consist of transparent plastic on which one or two coatings are applied, for instance black or silver paint. The laser ablates the paint, producing the inscription such as black or white. During the day, the contrast between plastic and paint makes the symbols visible. At night, LEDs behind the inscribed elements light the symbols brightly.