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Laser welding technology has existed since the 1960s, with commercial applications emerging as the technology matured. Laser welding machines became more widely available over 20 years ago, quickly recognised for their potential to deliver high-precision, strong joins across various metals. Like many still on the market today, the earliest machines relied on either water-cooled or air-cooled lasers. While air-cooled units offered some portability advantages, they were limited by short duty cycles and reduced welding times, making them less efficient for high-productivity applications than traditional TIG or MIG methods.
In the early 2000s, water-cooled laser welding technology significantly advanced, allowing for longer duty cycles and extended welding times. However, this improvement came at the cost of increased size and complexity. The water-cooled systems required more significant controllers and complex power sources, adding bulk to the machines and making them challenging to set up and operate. These larger, more intricate systems reduced the portability and simplicity many industrial users valued, preventing laser welding from becoming mainstream in the welding industry.
Recognising the need for a more versatile, high-performance laser welder, STRATA developed the SLR Pro Series Laser Welders to combine the benefits of water-cooled technology with a more user-friendly, portable design. The Strata SLR Pro Series offers an innovative solution for intuitive operation, easy setup, and high-duty cycle capabilities suitable for demanding production requirements. This evolution reflects Strata’s commitment to meeting the modern needs of the welding industry, providing equipment that delivers on both performance and usability. This guide will explore the key features, benefits, and applications of the SLR3000 and SLR5000, showing how they can enhance productivity and improve welding quality across various metals.
Why Does Laser Welding Outshine MIG and TIG?
Traditional welding methods like TIG and MIG have long been industry standards, but they come with inherent challenges that can hinder efficiency and quality. TIG welding, for instance, requires highly skilled operators and is a slow process that generates significant heat, which can lead to material distortion. While effective for thicker materials, MIG welding requires pre-cleaning, bevelled joints, and consumable wire, making it less efficient for jobs demanding speed and precision.
The Strata SLR Laser Welders address these challenges directly, offering a solution that is faster, easier to operate and requires minimal training. Unlike MIG and TIG, laser welding with the Strata SLR models minimises heat distortion, produces cleaner welds, and is versatile enough to handle a wide range of materials—from stainless steel and aluminium to brass and copper. The Strata SLR welders deliver high precision and adaptability, making them ideal for modern workshops aiming to enhance productivity and weld quality.
In addition to speed and precision, the Strata SLR Laser Welders offer superior weld strength with deep penetration from a single side of the workpiece. This reduces the need for extensive edge preparation and allows for strong, clean joints even at high welding speeds. The minimal heat-affected zone (HAZ) ensures that surrounding materials retain their integrity, eliminating common issues like warping and discolouration—especially crucial for thin materials and visually exposed welds. With a stable and consistent energy output, every weld is uniform, reducing defects and rework.
Beyond performance, the Strata SLR Series is designed for cost efficiency and operator safety. Unlike traditional methods that require extensive post-weld finishing, laser welding eliminates secondary processing such as grinding or buffing, saving time and labour. The low-shielding gas consumption further reduces operational costs while dramatically lowering fume emissions, creating a cleaner, safer work environment. Whether improving production efficiency, reducing consumable waste, or enhancing workplace safety, the Strata SLR Laser Welders represent a true leap forward in welding technology.
To highlight the key productivity gains you can enjoy from utilising the Strata SLR laser welders, see the chart below:
| SLR PRO SERIES LASER | OTHER LASER | TIG WELDERS | |
| Weld Visuals | Beautiful/Perfect Appearance, even with low skilled operator | Very good appearance, with good technical operator | Good appearance with skilled operator |
| Heat input into the workpiece | Very Low | Low | Medium |
| Bond strength to base metal | Exceptional | Very good | Good |
| Secondary workpiece treatment required | No Need | Rarely needed | Pickling/Cleaning of workpiece required |
| Welding speed | 6-10 times faster than TIG on thinner materials | 6-10 times faster than TIG on thinner materials | Average |
| Consumable usage per m of weld | Low consumable usage | Less consumables than TIG | Average consumable usage |
| Operational Difficulty | Very easy even for untrained welder | Needs significant skill in digital setup and fine tuning | Needs skilled and experienced welder to provide good results |
| Operator Safety | High | Okay | Ok |
| Environmental Impact/Protection | Very Good - Power saving technology, lower emissions, gas savings | Ok - Lower emissions than TIG | Average |
| Adjustable Auto Welding Wobble/Swing | Yes | No | No |
| Ease of Maintenance/After Sales Service | Good | Poor (highly technical, required trained technicians) | Poor (highly technical, requires trained/specialist technician) |
Key Features of the Strata SLR Laser Welders
Best-in-Class Efficiency
The Strata SLR Pro Series is built to maximise efficiency with up to 40% increased laser power output compared to other machines operating on the same 230V input power. This means more welding capability without additional energy costs, making it a cost-effective solution for workshops looking to reduce overhead expenses while boosting performance.
High Duty Cycle for Continuous Production
Unlike older laser welding models with limited operation times, the Strata SLR Series offers an exceptional 100% duty cycle, ensuring uninterrupted welding for long production runs. Thanks to its patented "Quad Core" refrigerant direct cooling system, the SLR welders maintain full performance even in extreme temperatures ranging from -20°C to 60°C, requiring no warm-up time.
Simple Setup and Intuitive Operation
Traditional laser welders often require complex digital programming, but Strata has prioritised ease of use. The SLR series is designed for quick and intuitive setup, ensuring that even operators with minimal experience can achieve optimal welds within minutes. This eliminates the steep learning curve of laser welding, allowing businesses to integrate the technology seamlessly into their operations.
Lightweight Ergonomic Torch for Operator Comfort
Strata has re-engineered the laser welding torch to be up to 40% lighter than traditional designs, offering an experience similar to TIG/MIG welding for faster adoption. The ergonomic grip and 120° handle angle reduce fatigue during long shifts, making it comfortable for extended use. Additionally, the built-in auto-adjustable wobble welding feature ensures consistent weld width, improving overall precision and reducing the need for rework.
Built-in Safety Features
Safety is paramount in any welding environment, and the Strata SLR Series includes eight integrated safety mechanisms, such as:
- Closed-loop welding protection – prevents accidental laser emissions.
- Gas pressure monitoring – ensures correct shielding gas flow before activation.
- Temperature protection – prevents overheating of the torch and components.
- Emergency stop override – allows instant shutdown in critical situations.
These features not only safeguard the operator but also maintain the integrity of the equipment, ensuring long-term reliability.
Why Upgrade to a Laser Welder? Key Benefits of the Strata SLR Series
Unmatched Welding Speed
Laser welding is up to 10 times faster than traditional TIG methods, significantly reducing cycle times and increasing production capacity. This makes the Strata SLR series ideal for high-volume manufacturing, where speed and consistency are crucial.
Stronger, More Precise Welds
The high-energy laser beam enables deep penetration with minimal distortion, producing stronger welds even on thin or delicate materials. Unlike traditional welding, where excessive heat can cause warping, the low heat-affected zone (HAZ) of laser welding preserves the structural integrity of the workpiece.
Cleaner Welds, Less Post Processing
Thanks to the precision of laser welding, finished welds require little to no secondary processing. Unlike MIG and TIG welding, which often require grinding, buffing, or chemical cleaning, the Strata SLR creates clean, smooth joints straight from the weld. This eliminates time-consuming post-weld refinishing, saving businesses significant labour costs.
Cost Savings on Consumables & Gas Usage
With a highly focused laser beam, the Strata SLR requires significantly less shielding gas than MIG or TIG, leading to lower operational costs. Additionally, no filler wire is needed for most applications, further reducing consumable expenses.
Environmentally Friendly with Reduced Fume Emissions
Strata’s advanced laser technology dramatically reduces welding fumes, creating a safer, cleaner work environment. This benefits the operator’s health and helps companies comply with stringent workplace safety and environmental regulations.
With its blend of speed, strength, cost efficiency, and ease of use, the Strata SLR Pro Series Laser Welders redefine modern welding, making them an essential investment for workshops to enhance productivity and quality. Whether tackling automated parts production, stainless steel fabrication, or aluminium welding, the SLR Series delivers a future-proof solution for industry professionals.
Advanced App Control for Seamless Adjustments
Strata SLR Laser Welders feature an intuitive Bluetooth app, allowing operators to adjust welding parameters in real-time. This intelligent control system provides the following:
Instant troubleshooting and setup tips for seamless operation.
Precise parameter adjustments to optimise weld quality across different materials and thicknesses.
Convenience and mobility, enabling operators to tweak settings without stopping production.
With on-the-fly control, workshops can maintain consistent quality and efficiency, reducing downtime and errors.
Robotics Ready for Automated Welding
For businesses incorporating robotic automation, the Strata SLR Series is designed to integrate seamlessly into cobot and robotic welding setups. This enables:
- High-precision, repeatable welds, perfect for mass production.
- Consistent quality with minimal operator intervention, reducing labour costs.
- Faster turnaround times, ideal for automotive, aerospace, and industrial fabrication industries.
By pairing with automated systems, Strata SLR welders help businesses scale up their operations without compromising quality or efficiency.
Multi-Functionality: Laser Cutting & Cleaning
Beyond welding, the Strata SLR Series also features built-in laser cutting and cleaning capabilities, making it a versatile solution for modern workshops. The integrated laser cutting function allows for precise, high-speed cuts on various metals, reducing the need for separate cutting tools and minimising material waste. The laser cleaning function also provides a highly efficient and eco-friendly way to remove rust, oxides, paint, and contaminants without using chemicals or abrasives.
The Patented Strata SLR Laser Welding Torch
To fully unlock the potential of laser welding, having the right torch design is just as important as the power source itself. Traditional laser welding torches are often heavy, bulky, and difficult to manoeuvre, leading to operator fatigue and challenging precision welding. Strata has addressed these issues head-on with its patented SLR laser welding torch. Designed for lightweight handling, superior control, and advanced automation features, the Strata SLR torch takes welding speed and accuracy to the next level. This section explores how this industry-leading torch enhances welding quality and operator comfort.
One of the standout features of the SLR laser welding torch is its built-in auto-adjustable wobble welding function. This advanced system allows operators to adjust the weld width to 5.0mm, ensuring stronger and more uniform joints, even on materials with poor fit-up or more significant gaps. The adjustable wobble frequency provides additional flexibility, making it easier to weld various metals while maintaining consistency and high-quality results. Whether working with stainless steel, aluminium, or copper, this innovative feature ensures a smooth, seamless weld every time.
In addition to performance, safety is at the core of the Strata SLR torch’s design. It features fully shielded laser cables, protecting against damage in harsh industrial environments. The torch also incorporates built-in safety mechanisms, including welding temperature protection, inadvertent gun activation protection, and an "emission on" warning light, providing additional safeguards for the operator and the equipment.
Weighing in at just 595 grams, the Strata SLR laser welding torch is less than half the weight of conventional laser torches, significantly reducing operator fatigue and making it easy for welders to transition from traditional TIG or MIG welding to laser technology. Beyond its ergonomic design, Strata has also prioritised ease of adjustment, ensuring maximum efficiency in production environments. The quick-change consumables system allows operators to swap out parts in seconds, reducing downtime and keeping workflow uninterrupted.
Additionally, the torch can be fine-tuned via the Strata Bluetooth app, enabling operators to recalibrate the laser quickly after impacts or drops. A simple drag-and-drop interface allows instant laser re-centring, ensuring perfect welds without technical adjustments. Thus, the Strata SLR torch is one of the most user-friendly options on the market.
Versatile Applications for the Strata SLR Welders
The Strata SLR laser welders excel in a range of industries, adapting to medium and high-volume tasks with ease. Here’s a closer look at where these models perform best:
Sheet Metal Production
The precision and speed of the SLR models make them excellent for sheet metal work. They provide clean, high-quality welds on thin and thick sheets alike. The high penetration and controlled HAZ create uniform seams without compromising the material.
Pipeline and Ducting Production
The SLR5000 is suited for intensive applications like pipeline and ducting fabrication, where consistent welds are essential for structural integrity. Its high power output allows it to handle thicker materials reliably, while the cooling system ensures steady operation during prolonged use.
Appliance and Hardware Manufacturing
From kitchen and bathroom hardware to home electrical appliances, the Strata SLR welders provide a seamless welding solution for delicate components. Their low heat spread and aesthetic finish reduce the need for additional finishing work, which is ideal for consumer products requiring a polished appearance.
Aluminium and Stainless Steel Fabrication
Aluminium and stainless steel present unique welding challenges due to their reflectivity and thermal conductivity. The Strata SLR models, mainly when used with the appropriate shielding gas, handle these metals efficiently, making them suitable for high-precision applications like automotive components and medical equipment.
Specialised Applications (e.g., Trailer Fabrication, Signage Production, Sculpture)
The versatility of the SLR3000 and SLR5000 also extends to custom and creative metalwork applications, where flexibility and reliability are critical. The SLR welders provide clean welds that reduce the need for rework, supporting industries such as sculpture, signage production, and trailer fabrication.
In conclusion, the Strata SLR3000 and SLR5000 provide industrial professionals with power and versatility that cater to a wide range of welding needs. Their unique features—including high-speed welding, minimal post-processing, and low thermal impact—make them invaluable for various applications, from large-scale fabrication to specialised projects. By investing in Proline Industrial’s Strata SLR series, workshops and manufacturers can enhance productivity, reduce costs, and achieve consistently high-quality results.
Explore Proline Industrial’s full range of Strata SLR welders today and discover how they can elevate your welding operations to new levels of performance and efficiency.
