Laser welding of low carbon steel blanks

Abstract

A pulsed Nd:YAG laser was used in this investigation to produce welded blanks of low carbon steel sheets. The selected welding parameters have assured a complete joint penetration for the entire length of the joint with sound weld quality. The shielding gas device used in experiments has provided plasma suppression and protection of the melted zone from oxidation. Microhardness was measured across the weld zones indicating a fusion zone/base metal hardness ratio of 1.3. The ball punch deformation test was used for a better understanding of formability and has indicated a reduction of 9.4% in average cup height at failure by the presence of the laser weld.10318319