Evaluation of Basic Laser Welding Capabilities.
Abstract
HY-130 alloy steel was laser-welded in a series of thicknesses including 0.64, 0.95, and 1.27 cm at continuous laser powers ranging from 6.0 to 12.8 kW and speeds between 1.27 and 2.96 cm/sec. All welds were visually inspected, X-rayed, magnafluxed, and subjected to a series of mechanical tests including hardness, bend, tensile, impact, and dynamic tear tests. Although some of the specimens, primarily those of intermediate thickness (0.95 cm), encountered porosity problems during laser welding, all specimens performed extremely well in mechanical tests. Based on the sum total results, it was concluded that the laser welding process is capable of making acceptable and mechanically excellent welds in HY-130 alloy steel through 1.27 cm thickness. Weldability of the alloy was found to be improved by better deoxidation practice in the original steelmaking (i.e. rare-earth treatment), although substantial elimination of inclusions by the Fusion Zone Purification effect was observed and quantitatively verified in all cases of HY-130 laser welding encountered during the course of this study. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA039059
Entities
People
- B. A. Jacob
- C. M. Banas
- Edward M. Breinan
- G. P. Mccarthy
Organizations
- United Technologies Corporation