F065: What Fabricators Need to Know About Hand Held Laser Joining: Implementation and Qualification

It has been almost 6 years since the first truly functional and portable hand-operated laser welding system appeared on the market. Now, in 2026, the benefits of handheld laser welding are broadly accepted, but the path to successful implementation is not yet widely understood. This presentation leverages insights gained from working with the thousands of welders and fabricators that have already adopted manual laser welding to discuss how some achieved immediate success and how others had to learn painful lessons before they could take full advantage of the technology. Topics include appointing an equipment champion, the importance of training, identifying “laser-friendly” applications, and understanding how laser welding fits in with traditional arc welding.

As handheld laser welding moves into structural and code-governed applications, manufacturers must understand how to properly qualify procedures and operators to meet industry standards. This session from Handheld Laser Institute outlines the pathway to developing WPS/PQR documentation, conducting mechanical testing, and aligning handheld laser welds with applicable AWS and other code requirements. Attendees will gain a practical framework for producing defensible, inspection-ready welds suitable for regulated environments.