Laser welding of thin steel sheets: Energy transfer efficiency

Abstract

Energy transfer efficiency and energy redistribution during Nd:YAG laser welding of thin steel sheets have been studied experimentally. Factors affecting the coupling efficiency when thin steel sheets are subjected to Nd:YAG laser welding were examined. The energy absorbed by the workpiece was measured using a Seebeck envelope calorimeter. Based on the calorimetric results, the energy passing through the keyhole was estimated for various process parameter combinations. It was found that for full penetration welding of 0.75 – 2 mm thick sheets the energy transfer efficiency increases with the thickness of the material. Results obtained are useful for comparison with and verification of thermal distribution models of laser- welded components.Energy transfer efficiency and energy redistribution during Nd:YAG laser welding of thin steel sheets have been studied experimentally. Factors affecting the coupling efficiency when thin steel sheets are subjected to Nd:YAG laser welding were examined. The energy absorbed by the workpiece was measured using a Seebeck envelope calorimeter. Based on the calorimetric results, the energy passing through the keyhole was estimated for various process parameter combinations. It was found that for full penetration welding of 0.75 – 2 mm thick sheets the energy transfer efficiency increases with the thickness of the material. Results obtained are useful for comparison with and verification of thermal distribution models of laser- welded components.