Power density effect on the laser beam-induced eruption of spatters in fiber laser keyhole welding

Abstract

Violent eruption of spatters is one of the major problems restricting fiber laser keyhole welding technology development. In this study, the fiber laser power density variation was attained by altering the laser power and laser spot diameter for analyzing its impact on the eruption of spatters. The severity of spatters’ eruption can be indicated by the number of spatters and the mass loss of the weld seam. The correlation between the number of spatters and laser power density can be positive (if the latter is adjusted by changing the laser power) or negative (if the laser power density is varied by changing the laser spot diameter). When the latter diameter is changed, it has a strong impact on the vapor induced by the laser on the front keyhole wall (FKW), the FKW inclination angle, and the molten pool surface tension. The number of spatters also positively correlates with the laser-induced vapor on the FKW or the molten pool width and negatively correlates with the FKW inclination angle. Reducing the laser spot diameter can increase the laser power density, enhancing the welding process stability and suppressing the eruption of spatters to a certain extent.