Handheld fiber lasers replace slow, skill-heavy processes with fast, repeatable results. Here's where NexTech machines make the biggest difference.
| Feature | Handheld Laser Welding | Traditional TIG / MIG |
|---|---|---|
| Learning Curve | Hours to proficiency | Months to years |
| Travel Speed (single pass) | Typically 25–45 ipm, up to 6× TIG, up to 3× MIG | TIG ~4–12 ipm • MIG ~10–30 ipm |
| Heat Input | Narrow, focused beam, precise and localized | Wider arc spreads heat into surrounding material |
| Heat-Affected Zone | Minimal | Significant |
| Post-Weld Cleanup | Little to none | Grinding often required |
| Material Distortion | Very low | Moderate to high |
| Weld Appearance | Smooth, consistent bead | Varies with operator skill |
| Fumes & Arc Exposure | Minimal fumes, no open arc flash | Significant fumes and arc flash, more PPE required |
| Dissimilar Metal Welding | Steel, aluminum, titanium, copper, brass & more | Limited, often needs special filler or process |
| Consumable Costs | Low | Higher |
| Source Service Life | 100,000+ hour rated laser source | Consumable tips & electrodes wear and need regular replacement |
Speed comparison based on typical manual single-pass travel speeds averaged across mild steel and aluminum: TIG ≈ 4–12 ipm, MIG ≈ 10–30 ipm, 1.5–2kW handheld laser ≈ 25–45 ipm. Actual results vary with material, thickness, joint design and operator.
Every NX-Series machine is a 4-in-1 platform, so a single unit covers welding, cutting, cleaning and seam-cleaning across all of these applications.
Weld thin-gauge panels with minimal warping and strip rust, paint and filler without damaging the metal underneath, perfect for collision repair and classic restorations.
Production-speed fillet, butt, tee and lap joints on steel, stainless and aluminum with fine, consistent beads and little to no post-weld grinding.
HVAC, ductwork, kitchen and food equipment, signage and enclosures: fast joining of thin materials where appearance and a clean finish matter.
Laser cleaning removes oxide, oil and coatings ahead of inspection: non-contact, abrasive-free prep that leaves a consistent surface for accurate testing.
Pre-treatment without sandblasting media or chemical baths. Strip old coatings and oxide layers to bare metal for a clean, adhesion-ready surface.
Sanitary stainless welds on benches, sinks, hoods and food-grade equipment: smooth, crevice-free seams that pass inspection.
Heavy-duty welding and large-scale rust, paint and oxide removal for hulls, decks and structures, including 6000W systems for heavy industry.
Gentle, precise laser cleaning for historical restoration and delicate artifacts. Removes contamination without abrasion or solvents.
Clean, precise welds and cuts on stainless and aluminum letters, frames and display fixtures with a finish that needs no rework.
Operators reach proficiency in hours, not months. With minimal heat input and almost no cleanup, your team spends time building parts, not grinding, re-welding or fixing distortion.
Bring us your toughest material and we'll show you laser welding and cleaning in person: local demos across the GTA and multi-day trials with guided training.
