In the field of automotive manufacturing, the precision and efficiency of welding processes directly impact overall vehicle quality and production throughput. Recently, HauqHi (Shanghai) Connection New Technology Development Co., Ltd. introduced an integrated laser welding and cutting machine that, leveraging a host of innovative technological advantages, has demonstrated outstanding performance in applications such as the welding of door and hood hem flanges and the laser-pressure welding of vehicle body B-pillars. This system offers automotive manufacturers a brand-new solution for overcoming process bottlenecks and boosting production efficiency.
According to reports, the HauqHi integrated laser welding and cutting machine employs advanced fiber laser technology. The laser beam is transmitted via a flexible fiber-optic cable, focused, and then directed onto the weld seam; aided by a shielding gas, it achieves material liquefaction and fusion. This effectively resolves the issues associated with traditional resistance spot welding—specifically, excessive thermal deformation—as well as the high costs associated with two-component high-frequency curing processes. Taking the laser fusion welding of door and hood hem flanges as an example, this equipment can efficiently weld 13 seams in just 30 seconds (including robot trajectory time). The welding process is deformation-free, yields high-strength joints, supports manual rework, and features simple, convenient commissioning. Currently, the system has been successfully deployed in various applications—such as roof welding and rain gutter fusion welding—at facilities including Nanjing Volkswagen, Changsha Volkswagen, and Geely Automobile.
In the realm of laser-pressure welding, the system developed by HauqHi Connection demonstrates unique advantages in addressing the issue of "oversized sheet combination ratios"—a challenge frequently encountered in new energy vehicles due to the use of high-strength materials. This system features a servo-driven laser welding gun (compatible with both single-sided and C-type welding tongs), a dedicated nozzle cleaning unit, and a water-cooling unit. It enables a fully enclosed welding process without the need to construct a dedicated, sealed laser safety enclosure. The welding pre-clamping time is a mere 200 ms, with a welding duration of approximately 300 ms—achieving a speed equivalent to traditional spot welding. Furthermore, the protective lens boasts a lifespan exceeding 20,000 cycles, and the nozzle requires cleaning only once every 3,600 welds, thereby significantly reducing maintenance costs.
Additionally, the automated workstation integrated with the HauqHi laser welding and cutting machine further enhances the system's overall level of integration. The workstation comprises a proprietary control system, a high-precision six-axis robot, the integrated fiber laser unit, and custom tooling fixtures. It supports the expansion and synchronization of two external axes working in tandem with the robot. To address the specific requirements of welding small-batch, high-variety components, the company has also introduced a collaborative robot-based laser welding machine. This system simplifies the programming workflow through human-robot collaborative "drag-and-teach" functionality, enabling the rapid and efficient welding of complex components. Industry experts point out that the launch of the HauqHi integrated laser welding and cutting machine not only fills a gap in the domestic market regarding the application of high-end laser welding equipment in specialized automotive manufacturing scenarios, but also—through its highly efficient and high-precision process capabilities—drives the automotive manufacturing sector toward the goals of "enhancing quality, reducing costs, and boosting efficiency." Consequently, it holds immense market potential for the future.