Laser beam interaction with Ni–Mn–Ga ferromagnetic shape memory alloys

Abstract

Laser beam interaction with alloys belonging to the Ni–Mn–Ga ferromagnetic shape memory alloy group has been investigated in order to assess the possibilities to use laser radiation for processing these materials, as for machining, joining or surface modification. The brittleness of Ni–Mn–Ga alloys is, as expected, an important factor and the formation of cracks appears to be difficult to be avoided. The laser interaction leads to vaporization on the impact zone and the changes in the chemical composition have been analyzed with respect to the beam parameters for penetration and surface melting, respectively.