What is a Laser Welded Finned Tube
A Laser Welded Finned Tube is a specialized component used in heat exchange systems to enhance thermal efficiency. It consists of a base tube (typically metal) with fins (thin metal strips) welded to its surface using laser welding technology. This method creates a precise, high-strength bond between the fins and the tube, optimizing heat transfer in demanding industrial applications.
The Manufacturing Process of Laser Welded Finned Tubes
Material Preparation
- Base Tube Selection: Stainless steel, carbon steel, or alloy tubes are cleaned and degreased to remove surface contaminants.
- Fin Material: Aluminum, copper, or steel strips (thickness 0.3–2.5mm) are precision-cut into required widths (5–25mm).
Welding Process
- Fin Alignment: Fins are positioned radially or spirally around the tube using automated fixtures to ensure uniform spacing (3–10 fins/cm).
- Laser Beam Parameters:
- Power: 1–6 kW (adjustable based on material thickness and welding speed).
- Speed: 0.5–3 m/min for optimal penetration depth (0.5–2mm).
- Metallurgical Bonding: A focused laser melts the fin base and tube surface simultaneously, creating a seamless, gap-free joint with minimal heat distortion.
The Advantages of Laser Welded Finned Tubes
Superior Bond Strength
- Full fusion joints (300–500 MPa tensile strength) resist vibration, thermal cycling, and mechanical stress, outperforming adhesive or rolled fins.
Enhanced Heat Transfer
- Seamless, gap-free welds minimize thermal resistance, achieving 30–45% higher efficiency than traditional methods.
Corrosion Resistance
- No crevices or overlapping edges trap moisture; optional coatings (e.g., PTFE, galvanized) extend lifespan in harsh environments (pH 2–12).
Precision & Customization
- Laser control enables tailored fin geometries (5–25mm height, 3–10 fins/cm pitch) for compact or high-flow applications.
Durability & Low Maintenance
- Minimal heat-affected zone (HAZ) preserves base material integrity, ensuring 15–25+ years of service with minimal upkeep.
Quality Consistency
- Automated welding eliminates human error.
The Disadvantages of Laser Welded Finned Tubes
High Initial Cost
- Precision laser equipment and specialized materials raise upfront investment compared to rolled or extruded fin methods.
Limited Material Compatibility
- Requires similar melting points for fin and base tube materials (e.g., steel-on-steel), restricting dissimilar metal pairings (e.g., aluminum-to-steel).
Slower Production Speed
- Complex alignment and laser parameter adjustments reduce output (0.5–3 m/min) vs. high-frequency welding (5–10 m/min).
Skilled Labor Dependency
- Demands expertise in laser calibration and weld monitoring, increasing operational training costs.
Repair Challenges
- Damaged fins are hard to rework; entire sections often require replacement due to localized metallurgical bonds.
Energy-Intensive Process
- High-power lasers (1–6 kW) consume significant electricity, escalating long-term operational expenses.
Sizes and Materials of Our Laser Welded Finned Tubes
| Base Tube Diameter | 12 to 168 mm | 3/8″ to 6″ NPS |
| Base Tube Wall Thickness | 1 to 20 mm | 0.03″ to 0.8″ |
| Base Tube Length | ≤32,000 mm | ≤92 ft |
| Base Tube Material | Carbon Steel (A106B, P235GH, A179, A210, A192, etc.) Alloy Steel (P5, T5, P9, T9, T11, T22, etc.) Stainless Steel (TP304, TP316, TP347, B407 800H/HT, etc.) aluminum, copper, titanium | |
| Fin Pitch | 39 to 512 FPM | 1 to 13 FPI |
| Fin Height | 5 to 25 mm | 0.19″ to 1″ |
| Fin Thickness | 0.3 to 1 mm | 0.01″ to 0.04″ |
| Fin Material | Carbon Steel, 2.25Cr-1Mo, 5Cr-0.5Mo, 11-13Cr (409, 410), 18Cr-8Ni (SS 304), 25Cr-20Ni, aluminum, copper, titanium | |
| Fin Type | Solid or Serrated | |
For other customized requirements, please contact us.
Our Production Capacity of Laser Welded Finned Tubes
Total two laser welded fin tube machines, monthly production capacity is 24,000 meters in total.
Application of Laser Welded Finned Tubes
- Heat Exchangers: Power plants, refineries, HVAC systems.
- Boilers & Condensers: Waste heat recovery, steam generation.
- Air Coolers: Petrochemical processing, compressed air systems.
- Renewable Energy: Solar thermal systems, geothermal plants.
Comparison to Other Finned Tubes
| Type | Laser Welded | Embedded/Resistance Welded |
|---|---|---|
| Bond Strength | High (metallurgical bond) | Moderate (mechanical interlock) |
| Thermal Efficiency | Excellent (no air gaps) | Reduced (potential micro-gaps) |
| Corrosion Resistance | High (sealed weld) | Lower (traps moisture/debris) |
| Cost | Higher initial cost | Lower initial cost |
Why Choose Us
- a 16-year laser welded fin tube manufacturer. We are experts.
- solutions for all your needs
- the highest product quality
- the low lead times
- excellent customer service
