Search Results for laser welds

This article describes how shielding gas composition, either argon or nitrogen, affects the hardness, tensile strength, and toughness of high-power, high-brightness laser welds made on various base materials, including A508 forging steel, 316L stainless steel, Inconel 690, and solution-annealed IN718.

A novel approach in the field of narrow gap laser welding produces superior weld joint quality, especially the configuration of weld toe, which has a positive effect on fatigue life.

This guide outlines recent advances in the various methods of laser technology and appropriate manufacturing applications. Each process has unique requirements and matching the laser source to the project is essential for developing a robust solution.

Novel methods for altering the mechanical properties of functionally graded orthodontic medical devices leads to new applications. This article highlights recent applications of selective vaporization to enable functional grading of shape memory alloys in medical devices for the dental industry.

In order to expand the choice of materials available for use in additive manufacturing, parameters that consider welding metallurgy, laser powder interaction, and post processing must be developed. This article describes the outcomes of process development for a steel and stainless steel alloy that are not standard materials for laser powder bed fusion equipment.

Recent advances in high velocity oxygen fuel torches in the form of miniaturization, joining, automation, and digitization are increasing the application opportunities for this thermal spray coating technology.

A new solid-state joining process for medical guidewire applications increases joint strength, provides superior bending properties, and does not require tertiary metals or ferrules. This process may be a superior method to create joints between dissimilar metals such as stainless steel and Nitinol.

A novel framework including experimental and model-based techniques saves time and enables the introduction of new alloys for additive manufacturing. This article describes the first phase of the probabilistic machine learning framework that was successfully demonstrated to rapidly define optimum parameter sets for commercial high-temperature nickel superalloys, as well as to guide alloy design and selection for compatibility with laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing.

4D printing enables fabrication of complex objects that transform over time (the fourth dimension) when subjected to external stimuli. 4D printing of metallic functional materials is of special interest due to their capacity for self-assembly and multifunctionality, with the added benefit of higher actuation capability, in comparison with polymeric materials.

Laser cladding applies thin deposits of hard or corrosion-resistant materials to surfaces susceptible to damage. This article discusses the advantages and drawbacks of laser cladding in comparison to thermal spraying.

Laser surface modification (LSM) techniques provide new pathways to improving the performance of engineered structures and components, either by altering surface metallurgy or chemistry or by adding a functional surface layer.

The extreme high-speed laser application (EHLA) process offers efficient deposition of high-performance materials in aerospace manufacturing, providing key advantages compared to conventional laser cladding. As a sustainable alternative to chrome plating, EHLA excels in material integrity, efficiency, and performance, while reducing costs compared to thermal spray and conventional laser cladding. This article discusses how EHLA can help to address many sustainability concerns within the manufacturing sector.

A new process called nanofunctionalization was successfully used to control the solidifying microstructure during additive manufacturing and produce crack-free 7000 and 6000 series aluminum alloys for the first time.

Additive manufacturing techniques give the mining industry a chance to revolutionize the conceptualization, prototyping, and production of mining tools, including using WC-Fe, Ni-based matrix coatings that display exceptional properties. The article includes a case study involving the successful utilization of WC-NiCrBSi mixed powder as a protective coating on AISI 9310 steel components to enhance wear resistance and durability for mining tool applications.

Enhanced mining tool performance is achieved through the use of reclaimed NiCrBSi-WC powders in laser metal deposition. Collection, analysis, and reuse of spilled powder lowers production costs and reduces environmental impact.

Cold spray was primarily developed for use in applications that are extremely sensitive to high process temperatures. Due to this factor and its other unique capabilities, cold spray is becoming attractive as an enabling technology for 3D printing or additive manufacturing. Current work is focusing on reducing the spot size of cold spray systems to enable them to produce more intricate and highly finished shapes.

For parts made by direct metal laser melting, heat treatment is important to set the final microstructure, which impacts mechanical properties.

Self-pierce riveting is a candidate for joining magnesium alloy sheet, extrusions, and castings in automotive applications. This article evaluates the fatigue performance of magnesium lap joints held together by laser-assisted self-piercing rivets (SPR) with and without the addition of adhesives.

A new welding process known as hybrid induction arc welding (HIAW) or high deposition arc welding (HiDep) uses a hybrid approach to reduce—or even eliminate—weld distortion and greatly increase productivity. Operating directly in front of the arc welding torch, a portable induction coil heats the surfaces of the weld to, or near, the melting point. Heat generated by the welding arc is primarily used to melt the welding wire. This novel process operates at speeds two to four times faster than conventional arc welding and substantially reduces weld distortion.

A new fusion cladding process that uses high-intensity arc lamps can produce pinhole free, smooth, uniform coatings as thick as 15 mm from various feedstock materials. This article briefly describes the process and the corrosion, wear, and high-temperature behavior of fusion claddings designed for oil and gas pipelines and related components.