Developing laser beam welding parameters for the assembly of steel SLM parts for the automotive industry

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to identify issues with joining selective laser melting (SLM) steels with conventional cold rolled steels through remote laser beam welding.Design/methodology/approachA novel approach for substituting conventional cold rolled metal sheets with SLM metal sheets, made of 316L and 18-Ni 300, is presented. The characteristics of the interaction of wrought and SLM materials are described, and joining benchmark parameters are presented and compared to known existing joining results. Finally, the joints are assessed in line with automotive specifications. This research also addresses the importance of joining technologies for the implementation of SLM as a full-fledged manufacturing technology for the automotive industry.FindingsNew parameter ranges for laser beam welding of SLM steels are defined.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is limited to the examined steels and the used machines, parameters and equipment.Practical implicationsThe presented benchmark parameters are expected to be useful for designers, product developers and machine operators.Originality/valueLittle knowledge is available about the behavior of SLM materials and their suitability for assembly processes. Novel information about SLM steels and their interaction with conventionally produced steel sheets is presented.