Why laser
Laser welds from one side, keeps film on the base, and allows free CAD patterns. A handheld welder cannot produce these plates.
Figure: pillow plate face, back-side after welding.
Versus resistance and versus buying plates
Resistance welding marks both faces and cannot keep film. Laser does spots and borders in one program. Steady m²: an in-house Keppels machine pays back in lead time and pattern control. Low volume: buying plates from Keppels is usually cheaper. A cheap imported gantry still makes scrap without clamp, inflation practice and a burst panel.
Pillow plate machine is a service tool for the whole tank manufacturing.
