Optimizing the quality of TA6V and inconel laser welding on airplane part manufacturing

Abstract

Aircraft manufacturing requires a very high quality of welded joints, that is a minimum to no porosity, no cracks, no surface oxidation on materials such as titanium alloys and stainless steels. CLFA tackled this problem to reach this goal for a 4 mm thick plates of TA6V and INC0718. In a first stage, we analyse the gas protection optimization in order to minimize the oxidation during cooling. Then, we present the experiments and results on welding parameters optimization. We use two types of laser sources: YAG and CO2 in order to compare the behaviour of the welded part against the wave lengths and energy distribution profile of the two sources. For each laser type, we apply two energy distributions: a conventional focusing system and a dual or lengthened spot disposal. Thus the welding conditions are dramatically modified.Aircraft manufacturing requires a very high quality of welded joints, that is a minimum to no porosity, no cracks, no surface oxidation on materials such as titanium alloys and stainless steels. CLFA tackled this problem to reach this goal for a 4 mm thick plates of TA6V and INC0718. In a first stage, we analyse the gas protection optimization in order to minimize the oxidation during cooling. Then, we present the experiments and results on welding parameters optimization. We use two types of laser sources: YAG and CO2 in order to compare the behaviour of the welded part against the wave lengths and energy distribution profile of the two sources. For each laser type, we apply two energy distributions: a conventional focusing system and a dual or lengthened spot disposal. Thus the welding conditions are dramatically modified.