The investigation of the structure of bulk metallic glasses before and after laser welding

Abstract

Fe‐based bulk metallic glasses present an interesting combination of physical, chemical and mechanical properties. During the last decade, intensive progress has been made and a number of applications have been suggested for these BMGs alloys. In order to successfully and universally use these materials, it is necessary to increase the small dimension of the elements. The main aim of this work is the examination of the structure of bulk metallic glasses and their laser welds. The studies were performed on Fe‐Co‐B‐Si‐Nb system alloy in form of plate. The samples were successfully produced by die pressure casting method and welded by the use of the TruLaser Station 5004. In this work microscopic observation and X‐ray diffraction analysis were carried out. The tests results show that the initial amorphous and amorphous‐crystalline structures of Fe‐based bulk metallic glasses have an influence on the crystallization process in the laser welds.