Laser Welding Applications with Low Power

For a lap weld joining of AISI 416 stainless steel cap to a AISI 310 stainless steel body, CO₂ Laser with a 575 watts beam out put was used associated with a 127 mm focal length lens and a helium gas shield. An enhanced pulse mode, 100 pulses per second, with 4 milli second pulses was used to achieve penetration of 1.65 mm at welding speed of 762 mm per minute. Power was ramped down towards the end of the weld to prevent possible fracturing due to rapid cooling. There is very little debris or spatter in the vicinity and it fulfilled the requirement for a cosmetic as well as a deep penetrating weld. The power levels in this category is less than 1 kW of laser power output.