Updated October 14, 2026: comparison claims and configuration guidance reviewed.
Compare a handheld fiber laser welder with your established MIG process on the cost of an accepted part. Travel speed alone does not account for preparation, handling, finishing or rework. The useful question is which part families justify adding or changing equipment.
Where to Evaluate Fiber Laser
Start with jobs where weld appearance, distortion or finishing effort is a production constraint. Use representative drawings and material grades, including the difficult joints rather than only an easy demonstration seam. Record the exact machine, accessories, filler and gas used.
Keep MIG as the Baseline
Document the current MIG route before the trial. Include joint preparation, access, welding position, inspection and any required procedures. Do not use a universal plate-thickness cutoff or gap limit to choose between processes: the proposed configuration and demonstrated joint requirements matter.
| Factor | Laser trial | MIG baseline |
|---|---|---|
| Complete job time | Measure setup through accepted part | Measure the same production scope |
| Fit-up and access | Test actual gaps and positions | Record current preparation and handling |
| Finished quality | Inspect against the drawing | Use identical acceptance criteria |
| Finishing and rework | Record required secondary work | Record current secondary work |
| Operating costs | Include gas, wire, optics and wear items | Include consumables, labour and maintenance |
Build the Upgrade Case From Shop Measurements
Review a representative job list and group it by part family. Test more than one sample and retain the inspection results. Separate operator time from machine elapsed time and state the batch size used to allocate setup costs.
Estimate annual savings only for jobs supported by the trial. Include ownership costs, site preparation, training and maintenance. A promising weld demonstration does not establish payback or prove that every MIG job should transfer to laser.
Plan the Process Introduction
Ask the responsible welding or quality professional to define the required inspection and qualification. Review the proposed equipment and work area with the supplier and a qualified laser-safety professional. Keep an established process available for jobs the trial has not demonstrated.
Manufacturer reference and scope
The Han's Laser HW-D reference describes a particular machine and its options. Its speed comparison is manufacturer marketing about TIG, not a measured MIG comparison or a guarantee for your parts. Confirm the specification offered for your order. This guide does not prescribe welding settings or certify a finished weld.
Check these out
Explore the HW Series handheld laser welder and review its manufacturer reference specifications. Send your drawings, material grades, joints and acceptance criteria with a quote request. Use the laser welder quotation checklist to confirm accessories and installation scope.