Abstract

A significant problem for laser welded joints,¹ that may be subjected to cyclic loading, is the high hardness induced in both the fusion zone and heat affected region. Compared with arc or gas welding the energy input to a laser weld is extremely small, such that laser welding characteristics are dominated by rapid quenching of the fusion region via conduction² to the surrounding material. Hardness discontinuities in metal structures, such as those generated by laser welding, result in poor component fatigue life.^3,4

© 1995 IEEE