Laser welding is getting a lot of hype right now as the tech starts to trickle down into the prosumer market. The primary advantages, compared to something like MIG welding, are precision and reduced heat. Those just happen to be attributes you’d want in a metal 3D printer, so Cranktown City strapped his Sky Fire WeldStar laser welding machine to a 3D printer motion system to see what would happen.
Putting a welder on a 3D printer isn’t a new concept. But conventional welding processes produce an absurd amount of heat that tends to ruin things. The heat alone from a basic MIG welder can be enough to make ¼” steel plate look like a Pringle. Laser welders still make the material hot, but the heat is much more focused and controllable.
Now that laser welders are somewhat affordable (this particular model has a pre-order price of $6,300), it is feasible to try 3D printing with one — at least if you’re an entertaining YouTuber that is able to get the machine for free.