ALV 180
Advanced Manual Laser Welding with High-Performance 180 W Nd:YAG Technology
Summary: The ALV 180 is an enclosed Nd:YAG laser welding system from ALPHA LASER for precision welding of small and intricate components. It pairs a 180 W laser with 9 kW peak pulse power, 90 J pulse energy and pulse frequencies up to 100 Hz with motorised X, Y and Z axes, precision joystick control, a Leica microscope and integrated fume extraction.
- 180 W Average laser power
- 9 kW Peak pulse power
- 90 J Pulse energy
- 110 × 90 × 280 mm Movement range
Product description
The ALPHA LASER ALV 180 is an enclosed precision laser welding system specially developed for welding intricate components, tool and mould repair, sensor manufacturing and demanding industrial applications. Equipped with a 180 W Nd:YAG laser source, it delivers up to 9 kW peak pulse power and 90 J pulse energy, providing controlled and consistent welding performance.
Designed for precision manual and semi-automatic welding, the ALV 180 combines a motorised three-axis positioning system, an enclosed laser-safe working chamber, integrated fume extraction and ergonomic microscope viewing. Its adjustable pulse parameters and high pulse frequency make it suitable for applications requiring accurate heat input, repeatability and flexibility.
The ALV 180 is designed to provide precise, reliable and efficient laser welding for industrial manufacturing and specialised repair applications. Its pulsed Nd:YAG laser operates at a wavelength of 1064 nm and supports adjustable pulse duration and welding spot diameter, allowing operators to adapt the welding process to different materials and component geometries.
With 180 W average laser power, 9 kW peak pulse power and 90 J pulse energy, the system offers enhanced laser output for applications requiring higher energy input. Its pulse frequency of up to 100 Hz supports faster repetitive welding operations.
A key feature is its motorised X, Y and Z movement system, which allows operators to position workpieces precisely using a joystick. The system supports manual, semi-automatic and automatic movement, providing flexibility for different welding requirements.
With an enclosed working chamber, integrated fume extraction, Leica microscope viewing and optional WINLaserNC automation, the ALV 180 provides a versatile solution for precision welding, tool repair and specialised manufacturing applications.
Optional Accessories
- Micro Welding Function: Supports extremely fine welding applications and delicate component processing.
- Rotary Axis Module: Enables rotational welding of cylindrical components, with tiltable configurations for horizontal-to-vertical positioning.
- Pneumatic Rotary Axis: Supports convenient and flexible component clamping.
- WINLaserNC Software: Enables programmable automatic welding operations and advanced pulse shaping.
- ALFT-HDMI Camera System: Displays the welding process on an external monitor.
- Ergo Wedge: Allows microscope inclination adjustment between 5° and 25° for improved operator comfort.
- Multifunctional Footswitch: Provides additional control over laser parameters.
- Turn-and-Tilt Objective: Allows laser beam positioning at different angles for difficult-to-access welding locations.
- 16× Microscope Eyepieces: Provide enhanced magnification for detailed welding applications.
- Wing Doors with Side Slots: Facilitate loading and positioning of long components, tubes and sensors.
- Additional Monitor: Displays the microscope camera image for improved process observation.
Features
High-Performance Nd:YAG Laser Source
Equipped with a 180 W Nd:YAG laser source operating at 1064 nm, the system delivers up to 9 kW peak pulse power and 90 J pulse energy for demanding precision welding applications.
Precise Pulse Control
Adjustable pulse duration from 0.5–20 ms and pulse frequency up to 100 Hz allow operators to fine-tune welding parameters according to material properties and application requirements.
Advanced Pulse Shaping
The system supports adjustable power curves within individual laser pulses, offering 5 pulse shapes with SPS and up to 9 programmable pulse shapes with WINLaserNC for enhanced process control.
Motorised X, Y and Z Movement
The integrated three-axis movement system provides precise workpiece positioning, with a movement range of 110 × 90 × 280 mm and adjustable movement speeds up to 25 mm/s.
Precision Joystick Operation
The precision joystick allows operators to control workpiece movement across all three axes, supporting manual and semi-automatic welding operations.
Convertible Enclosed Working Chamber
The enclosed working chamber can be quickly converted into an open configuration, allowing larger or longer components to be processed conveniently.
Optional Micro Welding Function
The optional micro welding function supports extremely fine welding applications, with a reduced welding spot diameter for delicate components and precision work.
Integrated Fume Extraction
The built-in extraction system helps remove welding fumes from the working chamber, maintaining a cleaner operating environment.
Ergonomic Optical Viewing
The Leica microscope attachment with 10× magnification supports detailed visual inspection during welding. Optional 16× magnification is available.
WINLaserNC Automation Compatibility
Optional WINLaserNC software enables programmable automatic welding operations, making the system suitable for repeatable production and specialised manufacturing applications.
Flexible Rotary-Axis Integration
Optional rotary-axis configurations allow cylindrical components to be positioned and rotated for specialised welding applications.
Ergonomic Workstation Design
The compact housing provides comfortable arm positioning and generous legroom, allowing operators to work conveniently during extended precision welding operations.
Laser Specifications
| Parameter | ALV 180 |
|---|---|
| Laser Type | Nd:YAG |
| Wavelength | 1064 nm |
| Average Power | 180 W |
| Peak Pulse Power | 9 kW |
| Pulse Energy | 90 J |
| Pulse Duration | 0.5–20 ms |
| Pulse Frequency | Single Pulse–100 Hz |
| Operating Mode | Pulsed |
| Welding Spot Diameter | 0.2–2.0 mm |
| Micro Welding Function | Optional |
| Focusing Objective | 150 mm |
| Pulse Shaping | 5 with SPS / 9 with WINLaserNC |
Optical Viewing System
| Parameter | ALV 180 |
|---|---|
| Microscope | Leica Microscope Attachment |
| Standard Magnification | 10× |
| Optional Magnification | 16× |
Control & Operation
| Parameter | ALV 180 |
|---|---|
| Display & Control | Touchscreen |
| Movement Control | Precision Joystick |
| Operating Modes | Manual / Semi-Automatic / Automatic |
| Automatic Control Software | WINLaserNC (Optional) |
| Multifunctional Footswitch | Optional |
Working Chamber
| Parameter | ALV 180 |
|---|---|
| Chamber Dimensions (W × D × H) | 580 × 420 × 530 mm |
| Mounting Plate (W × D) | 455 × 315 mm |
| Table Feed-Through | Ø 46 × 40 mm |
| Maximum Workpiece Weight | 50 kg (Centred Load) |
| Movement Range (X × Y × Z) | 110 × 90 × 280 mm |
| Movement Speed | 0–25 mm/s |
| Fume Extraction | Integrated |
External Dimensions
| Parameter | ALV 180 |
|---|---|
| Machine Dimensions (W × D × H) | 650 × 1160 × 1590 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 260 kg |
Electrical Connection
| Parameter | ALV 180 |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | 3 × 400 V |
| Frequency | 50–60 Hz |
| Electrical Protection | 3 × 16 A |
Maintenance & care
- Clean the microscope optics and protective glass regularly to maintain clear visibility and consistent welding performance.
- Keep the working chamber free from dust, metal particles and welding residue.
- Inspect the integrated fume extraction system and maintain filters as recommended.
- Check the joystick and X, Y and Z movement mechanisms for smooth and accurate operation.
- Inspect the mounting plate and workpiece fixtures periodically.
- Check the laser focusing objective for contamination or damage.
- Ensure shielding gas nozzles and connections are clean and functioning correctly.
- Inspect optional rotary-axis mechanisms and ensure smooth rotation.
- Check electrical connections and operating conditions according to manufacturer guidelines.
- Maintain WINLaserNC software and program backups if the optional automation configuration is installed.
- Schedule periodic inspection and servicing through qualified technicians.
May we help?
- What type of laser does the ALV 180 use?
- The ALV 180 uses a 180 W Nd:YAG laser with a wavelength of 1064 nm, operating in pulsed mode. It delivers 9 kW peak pulse power and 90 J pulse energy, with pulse durations of 0.5–20 ms, pulse frequencies from single pulse to 100 Hz and a 0.2–2.0 mm welding spot.
- How does the ALV 180 compare with the ALV 120?
- The ALV 180 has 180 W average power, 90 J pulse energy and pulse frequencies up to 100 Hz, compared with 120 W, 75 J and 50 Hz on the ALV 120. Both offer 9 kW peak pulse power and share the same working chamber and movement system. The ALV 180 needs a 3 × 400 V supply, while the ALV 120 runs on 200–240 V.
- What size of components can the ALV 180 handle?
- The enclosed working chamber measures 580 × 420 × 530 mm, with a 455 × 315 mm mounting plate for workpieces up to 50 kg (central load). Motorised X, Y and Z axes travel 110 × 90 × 280 mm at 0–25 mm/s, and optional wing doors make it easier to load long components such as tubes and sensors.
- Can the ALV 180 weld automatically?
- Yes, with the optional WINLaserNC software. As standard, the ALV 180 is operated by touchscreen and a precision joystick for manual and semi-automatic welding, and WINLaserNC adds programmable, fully automatic welding operations.
- What are the power and space requirements of the ALV 180?
- The ALV 180 requires a 3 × 400 V / 50–60 Hz / 3 × 16 A supply. It measures 650 × 1160 × 1590 mm and weighs approx. 260 kg, with fume extraction integrated.