Micro-welding of stainless steel by pulsed Nd: YAG laser

Abstract

The paper presents the results of the experimental research regarding the microwelding of stainless steel by pulsed Nd :YAG laser (STARWELD PERFORMANCE SWP 6002 - ROFIN). The analytical and experimental investigation on laser weldability of a stainless steel allowed to draw the following conclusions. The micro-welds produced by the optimized Nd: YAG laser parameters featured a narrow and regular weld metal zone devoid of any solidification and shrinkage defects. The as weld metal structure was made up of elongated ferrite graints with limited amount of austenite, mainly located at grain boundaries.