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Laser welding is no longer confined to automated cells or high-end OEM production lines. The Lincoln Electric FlexLase® Handheld Laser Welding System brings 2,000 watts of controlled laser power into a compact, operator-friendly platform designed for practical deployment inside fabrication shops.
For manufacturers evaluating speed, weld consistency, and reduced post-weld finishing, FlexLase represents a measurable shift in process capability.
Available now through Meritus Great Plains.
TIG welding remains a proven process for precision and appearance. However, it often requires slower travel speeds and additional finishing time. Laser welding changes that balance.
With highly concentrated energy and lower overall heat input, FlexLase allows operators to move significantly faster while maintaining a tight, clean weld profile. Reduced spatter and a smaller heat-affected zone help minimize distortion, especially on thinner materials where warping can create downstream challenges.
The impact is not limited to arc speed. It influences total production efficiency.
Shops running repeat stainless assemblies, cosmetic seams, light-gauge enclosures, or precision brackets are often strong candidates for laser evaluation.
The 2,000-watt laser source delivers stable, repeatable energy with simplified controls that reduce operator variability. Rather than managing a fluid weld puddle in the same manner as TIG, laser welding produces a narrow, focused bead with consistent penetration.
This tighter energy control supports:
Cleaner visible seams
Reduced grinding and finishing
More predictable weld outcomes across operators
Lower cumulative heat input on sensitive assemblies
In applications where weld appearance and dimensional accuracy matter, the difference is immediately apparent.
FlexLase is engineered for use in active production environments. It supports stainless steel, carbon steel, and aluminum, covering the majority of common fabrication requirements.
Typical use cases include sheet metal fabrication, cabinets and enclosures, food-grade stainless assemblies, precision components, and thin structural elements where both strength and appearance are important.
If your operation relies heavily on TIG for repeat thin-gauge parts, laser welding may provide an opportunity to compress cycle time while reducing cleanup labor.
One of the most important advantages of laser welding is its effect beyond the weld station.
Lower spatter means fewer cleanup steps. Reduced distortion limits straightening and rework. Faster travel speeds improve part flow to finishing, coating, or final assembly.
When evaluated holistically, the gains extend beyond welding speed. They affect throughput, labor utilization, and overall production stability.
For operations managing tight production schedules or skilled labor constraints, these improvements can be material.
Laser welding is not a universal replacement for every process. Heavier structural weldments or applications requiring significant filler deposition may continue to favor conventional methods.
However, for thin materials, cosmetic stainless work, and repeat fabrication where speed and consistency matter, the economics of laser welding warrant serious evaluation.
The next step is a structured application review. By analyzing your material thickness, part geometry, and current cycle times, it becomes possible to determine whether FlexLase offers a clear productivity advantage.
The Flex Lase™ power source is a class 4 laser instrument that requires careful attention to safety procedures. Read and follow all labels and the Operator’s Manual before operating, installing or servicing.
For further laser welding safety information, see American Welding Society Safety and Health Fact Sheet No. 46 on Handheld Laser Welding Safety, ANSI Z136.1, ANSI Z136.9, IEC 60825-1, and ISO 11553-1.
Meritus Great Plains can assist with application review, process comparison versus TIG, demonstration coordination, and throughput discussion tailored to your shop’s workflow.
If you are looking to increase output without increasing headcount, the Lincoln Electric FlexLase® deserves a closer look.
Contact your Meritus Great Plains sales representative to begin the evaluation.