Laser Soldering for Camera VCM (Voice Coil Motor) Assembly

Laser Soldering for Camera VCM (Voice Coil Motor) Assembly

Laser welding for miniature camera VCMs (Voice Coil Motors) is an advanced joining technology for precision assembly of VCM components. Songsjheng Optoelectronics provides a detailed technical breakdown—discover its capabilities now.

 Miniature Camera Module Diagram

Principle

Laser welding is a highly efficient and precise welding method that utilizes a high-energy-density laser beam as the heat source. For miniature camera voice coil motors (VCMs), the process involves a pulsed laser emitting controlled high-frequency laser pulses, which are transmitted via optical fiber and focused onto the VCM's welding area. Within an extremely short duration, the laser energy rapidly melts—or even vaporizes—the surface of the material, forming a molten pool with specific depth and width. After the laser pulse ends, the molten metal quickly solidifies, creating a robust bond between VCM components.

Features

High Precision
The laser beam can be focused to a micron-level spot size, enabling precise targeting of VCMs' miniature welding areas. This meets stringent requirements for dimensional and assembly accuracy.

High Speed
Laser energy delivery and interaction occur almost instantaneously, completing welds in milliseconds. This boosts production efficiency and suits automated mass production.

Minimal Thermal Impact
Concentrated energy and ultra-short exposure time (typically 0.1–10 ms) limit heat diffusion, preventing thermal deformation or performance degradation in adjacent components.

Superior Hermeticity
Laser welding achieves complete fusion, producing dense seams that effectively seal VCMs against dust, moisture, or contaminants.

Non-Contact Process
Eliminates mechanical stress or particulate contamination from tool contact, ensuring consistent VCM quality and reliability.

Songsheng Optoelectronics Laser Temperature-Controlled Soldering System Diagram

Songsheng Optoelectronics Laser Temperature-Controlled Soldering System consists of a real-time temperature feedback system, CCD coaxial alignment system, and semiconductor laser module. The proprietary PID online temperature regulation feedback system enables precise control over constant-temperature soldering, featuring real-time high-precision temperature monitoring of soldering targets to ensure soldering yield and accuracy. It is particularly suitable for temperature-sensitive high-precision soldering applications such as micro speakers/motors, connectors, camera modules, etc. 

Process Parameters

Laser Power
The laser power directly determines the energy input for welding. Insufficient power fails to fully melt the materials, resulting in weak weld strength. Excessive power may cause material over-melting or even vaporization, leading to defects such as spatter and porosity that compromise weld quality.

Pulse Width
The pulse width governs the duration of laser energy application. An appropriate pulse width ensures adequate energy absorption by the material while preventing overheating and excessive melting.

Welding Speed
Welding speed must be coordinated with laser power and pulse width. Excessive speed prevents sufficient laser-material interaction, producing weak welds. Conversely, insufficient speed causes excessive energy absorption, enlarging the heat-affected zone (HAZ) and potentially burning through the material.

Focal Length
The focal length determines the laser beam's focusing precision on the weld surface. Correct focal length ensures optimal energy concentration at the target area for superior welding results.

Application Scenarios

 VCM Yoke-to-Bracket Welding
Precisely joins the VCM's yoke and bracket to ensure magnetic circuit stability and structural integrity. This creates a consistent magnetic field environment for the voice coil's operation, maintaining optimal actuator performance.

Voice-Coil-to-Lead Wire Bonding
Establishes reliable electrical connections between the voice coil and lead wires. This critical interface enables current flow to drive the coil's magnetic field interaction, facilitating precise autofocus and optical image stabilization (OIS) functions in camera modules.

VCM Housing Encapsulation
Provides hermetic sealing of the VCM assembly through precision laser welding. The process:

• Blocks contaminants (dust, moisture) from compromising internal components

• Maintains long-term performance reliability

• Protects delicate internal mechanisms from mechanical stress