Laser-beam Welding

Laser-beam Welding

1. Laser-beam welding (LBW) utilizes a high-power laser beam as the source of heat, to produce a fusion weld.

2. Because the beam can be focused onto a very small area, it has high energy density and deep-penetrating capability.

3. Fig 30.14 shows the comparison of the size of weld beads:

   • (a) laserbeam or electron-beam welding
   • (b) tungsten-arc welding.

4. The major advantages of LBW over EBW are the following:

   • 1. A vacuum is not required, and the beam can be transmitted through air.
     • 2. Laser beams can be shaped, manipulated, and focused optically (using fiber optics), so the process can be automated easily.
       • 3. The beams do not generate x-rays.
         • 4. The quality of the weld is better than in EBW with less tendency for incomplete fusion, spatter, porosity, and less distortion.

Images and files in the map