Laser beam welding in vacuum – A process variation in comparison with electron beam welding

Abstract

This article gives a comparison between laser beam welding and electron beam welding. In a first step, the basic principles and properties of both methods and/or the resulting weld joints are specified, afterwards the research results from laser beam welding in vacuum are presented.Thanks to modern laser systems (fibre laser and/or disk laser) and their excellent beam quality, laser beam welding in vacuum allows a direct comparison of the process behaviour, the development of the keyhole and the respective welding results from both beam welding methods.The welding possibilities of this process variation are demonstrated, the advantages with regard to electron beam welding and/or the disadvantages compared to laser beam welding in atmosphere are discussed and the need for future research are specified.This article gives a comparison between laser beam welding and electron beam welding. In a first step, the basic principles and properties of both methods and/or the resulting weld joints are specified, afterwards the research results from laser beam welding in vacuum are presented.Thanks to modern laser systems (fibre laser and/or disk laser) and their excellent beam quality, laser beam welding in vacuum allows a direct comparison of the process behaviour, the development of the keyhole and the respective welding results from both beam welding methods.The welding possibilities of this process variation are demonstrated, the advantages with regard to electron beam welding and/or the disadvantages compared to laser beam welding in atmosphere are discussed and the need for future research are specified.