ESAB proudly introduces its first laser welder, the Dueler EHL 1500, a compact, air-cooled, 1500-watt handheld laser welding system designed for welding at speeds up to 4X faster than TIG and 2X faster than MIG. The Dueler enables operators to make high-quality, consistent weld seams and joints with minimal training. Its intuitive 7-in. touchscreen interface offers two modes: manual (for advanced users) and synergic for simplified operation using factory-programmed settings for common metals.
“Operators will feel comfortable and become quickly productive with the Dueler because we designed it to feel familiar,” says Remigiusz Synowiec, Global Product Manager – Light Industrial Products, ESAB. “It’s more portable than welding systems with separate components, integrating the laser power source, wire feeder and controls in a single unit. The control panel looks and feels like an ESAB control, it uses our industry-leading PreciDrive feeding mechanism and it runs ESAB wires that are available in multiple grades, including carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum and copper alloys. It is also capable of welding titanium and nickel alloys.”
Synowiec says that lasers complement MIG and TIG welders. Fabricators should add a laser welder when they need to reduce heat input (minimize warping, burn-through and the Heat-Affected Zone), want to reduce post-weld cleanup or grinding to improve bead appearance, need to increase productivity without adding highly-skilled staff or need to increase weld quality (more reliable fusion, reduced porosity).
The Dueler uses 1ph 230V primary power, comes with an 18.5-ft. (5.6 m) torch and is fully compliant with laser safety standards. It comes with an ESAB helmet certified for laser welding and a full set of accessories. The Dueler can also be integrated with a collaborative robot. The Dueler will be available later this year through ESAB distributors and online sales channels.
Fine Tuning Capabilities
The Dueler has an output power adjustable between 150 and 1,500 watts to weld metals as thin as 22 gauge (0.5 - 1 mm) or as thick as ¼ in. (6.5 mm). It can weld at full output for 120 seconds continuously before needing to cool for six seconds.
Key features include:
Wobble width: Adjustable from 0.0 to 4.0 mm (0.0–5/32 in.) for gap bridging or deeper penetration
Wobble frequency: Ranges from 1 to 280 Hz for smoother welds and reduced spatter
Welding modes: Continuous, pulsed (for lower heat input), and stitch mode (ideal for tack welding)
Sequencer functions: Controls gas pre/post-flow, power ramping, and crater fill
Jobs memory: Stores and recalls up to 10 sets of parameters
“Experienced fabricators will quickly adapt to laser controls, and we made the Dueler easy to operate for anyone in synergic mode,” says Synowiec. “Our digital interface guides users through the set-up process so they can quickly and confidently weld with optimized parameters. As they increase or decrease material thickness and change its grade to match their personal style, the system automatically adjusts other variables. With just a few hours of training, even beginners can create TIG-like weld beads.”
