Laser Welding
Thick Sections
A laser beam can be easily focused to very high power densities, ca 10 6 W/cm 2 . At these intensities, when laser welding metal, a column of ionised metal vapour which forms below the beam impingement point, absorbs the incoming laser energy, producing narrow, deep weld profiles. This 'keyhole' welding process is more efficient than a process where the weld shape is governed by thermal conduction. CO 2 , Nd:YAG and fibre lasers can achieve such power densities, with the most powerful lasers capable of welding 25mm C-Mn steel in a single pass.
Benefits and Application of Laser Welding
| Heavy construction, shipbuilding, oil and gas, power, process plant and aerospace industry sectors have the need for welding thick sections and are potential markets for laser welding. There are many benefits : |
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| TWI is working on welding parameter and process development of CO 2 , Nd:YAG and fibre lasers at powers up to 7kW. At these powers welding of thick section material is possible at high speeds, for example 8mm thick C/Mn steel can be welded in a single pass at speeds up to 1.5m/min. | ||
Contact:
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Laser and Sheet Processes Group
TWI Ltd Granta Park Gt Abington Cambridge, CB21 6AL (previously CB1 6AL), UK |
email: lasers@twi.co.uk Tel: 01223 899000 Fax: 01223 890661 |
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