Laser welding
Laser welding vs TIG — which is better?
Quick answer
Lasers weld 3–5× faster than TIG with near-zero cleanup and minimal distortion on thin material; TIG handles thicker sections, dirtier metal, tighter budgets and zero radiation-safety overhead. Production shops increasingly run both: laser for the boring 80% of seams, TIG for everything the laser can't reach.
Decision table
| Factor | Laser | TIG |
|---|---|---|
| Speed on straight seams | 3–5× faster | baseline |
| Thin stainless distortion | minimal | manageable with skill |
| Thickness ceiling | ~6–8 mm handheld | unlimited with multi-pass |
| Entry cost | $12k–$20k (supported tier) | $369+ (DC combo) |
| Safety overhead | Class 4 controls mandatory | standard arc PPE |
| Dirty/outdoor work | poor | stick better; TIG poor too |