Abstract
In this study, the dynamic behaviors of metal vapor, plasma, keyhole, and weld pool during activating laser welding of stainless steel thick plates are monitored in real time by employing a novel "sandwich" method in combination with a high-speed camera system. Meanwhile, the welding quality of specimens is inspected and analyzed from the aspects like joint weld formation, mechanical properties, microstructure, and element distribution. The effects of Cr2O3 active agent on the welding stability and quality of specimens are explored. According to the results, adequate coating of active agent on the specimen surface can weaken and suppress the generation and drastic changes of metal vapor and plasma inside and outside the keyhole, increase the keyhole depth, improve the keyhole shape, weaken the oscillation amplitude of weld pool, and prolong the change cycles of keyhole and weld pool. Consequently, the stability of welding process is enhanced, the generation of porosity and splash defects is inhibited preferably, the quality of weld formation is improved, the weld penetration is increased, the grain structure in weld zone is refined, the width of heat affected zone is narrowed, and the joint strength and toughness are enhanced, without showing apparent change of the relative element contents in the welded joint. In conclusion, coating of Cr2O3 active agent on the specimen surface is effective in improving the welding properties of laser welded stainless steel plates.
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