ZS Laser Equipment
Laser welding has become a cornerstone of modern manufacturing, enabling high-precision, efficient, and reliable joining of metals across industries. Among the different types of laser welding machines, galvo (galvanometer) laser welding machines and traditional laser welding machines are widely used. While both share the same core principle of using a laser beam as a heat source to weld work pieces, their design and applications differ significantly. In particular, galvo laser welding machines have emerged as the ideal solution for lithium battery welding, thanks to their unmatched speed, precision, and adaptability.
Galvo Laser Welding Machine
What is a Galvo Laser Welding Machine?
A galvo laser welding machine uses a galvanometer scanning system to control the position of the laser beam. Instead of moving the welding head or the workpiece, the laser beam is deflected by high-speed mirrors (X and Y axes), allowing it to scan across the workpiece within milliseconds. Combined with focusing optics, this enables rapid point welding, short weld seams, and complex patterns without mechanical motion.
Differences Between Galvo Laser Welding and Traditional Laser Welding
| Feature | Galvo Laser Welding Machine | Traditional Laser Welding Machine |
|---|---|---|
| Beam Movement | Controlled by high-speed scanning mirrors (no mechanical motion) | Relies on moving the welding head or the workpiece |
| Speed | Extremely fast, ideal for spot welding and short seams | Slower, limited by mechanical motion |
| Precision | Micron-level accuracy, suitable for micro-components | High precision, but less efficient for micro-welding |
| Work Area | Limited to the scanning field of the lens (e.g., 100×100 mm, 300×300 mm) | Limited by machine travel range, suitable for larger workpieces |
| Applications | Microelectronics, lithium batteries, medical devices, precision parts | Automotive parts, sheet metal, pipelines, heavy components |
Why Galvo Laser Welding is Ideal for Lithium Battery Welding
Lithium battery modules, especially in EVs, consumer electronics, and energy storage systems, require extremely precise and reliable welding. Galvo laser welding machines excel in this field for several key reasons:
High-Speed Spot Welding
Lithium battery production involves thousands of repetitive weld points (e.g., welding tabs, connectors, and busbars). Galvo scanners can move the laser spot between positions almost instantly, making them far faster than traditional welding heads.
Minimal Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ)
Lithium batteries are sensitive to heat, and excessive thermal input can damage cells or cause safety risks. The galvo system delivers laser energy in short, controlled bursts with a small spot size, reducing heat diffusion.
Micron-Level Precision
Battery tabs and connectors are often thin (0.1–0.3 mm) and require precise weld positioning. Galvo welding ensures accurate beam placement, even for very fine structures.
Flexible Welding Patterns
Galvo scanners can easily switch between spot welding, line welding, and custom-shaped welds (e.g., circular or spiral welds) through software control—ideal for different cell types (cylindrical, prismatic, pouch).
Non-Contact & Reliable Operation
Since only the laser beam moves, there is no mechanical wear, reducing downtime and improving long-term stability in high-volume production lines.
Ordinary laser welding machine without galvanometer
Applications in Lithium Battery Manufacturing
Battery Tabs: Welding nickel or aluminum tabs to cell electrodes
Busbars: Connecting multiple cells into a module
Sealing: Hermetically welding thin casings of prismatic and pouch cells
Connectors & Terminals: Ensuring stable and low-resistance connections
Galvanometer laser welding machine welding sample
While both traditional and galvo laser welding machines have their place in industrial manufacturing, the galvo laser welding machine offers unmatched advantages for lithium battery applications. Its speed, precision, low heat input, and flexibility make it the preferred choice for modern battery production lines.
For manufacturers in the EV, energy storage, and consumer electronics industries, investing in galvo laser welding technology is a key step toward achieving higher efficiency, safety, and product quality.
Ready to upgrade your battery production line? Contact ZS Laser today to learn more about our Galvo Laser Welding Machines and discover how our customized solutions can help you achieve faster, safer, and more precise lithium battery welding.