The concept of laser welding emerged shortly after the invention of the laser in 1960. In the early days, lasers were mainly used in laboratory settings and for experimental welding applications due to their high cost and limited power.
As laser technology advanced, the power and efficiency of lasers increased, and they became more practical for industrial use. In the 1970s and 1980s, continuous - wave lasers were developed, which significantly improved the welding capabilities and made it possible to weld a wider range of materials.
Over the years, with the development of fiber - optic lasers and other advanced laser sources, laser welding machines have become more compact, reliable, and capable of handling high - speed and high - precision welding tasks.