Welding Processes 35

(c) The laser beam can be readily focused, aligned and redirected by optical
elements.
(d) Due to the slightly lower energy density of the focused laser beam, the
tendency for spiking, underbead scatter, incomplete fusion and root porosity
is reduced.
(e) Simple geometry of weld joint.
(f) No necessity for preheat, post heat or any interpass temperature.
(g) Generally no filler material is required.
(h) Distortion is less.
(i) Autogeneous weld upto 15 mm thick can be made.
The process has to be automated.
Variety of metals and alloys including hot and cold rolled steels, HSLA and
stainless steels, aluminium alloys, titanium alloys, refractory and high temperature
alloy can be welded by laser beam welding process. The weldment is free from
porosity and generally ductile in nature. The cooling rates of the laser beam welds
are high as a consequence of low heat input. As a result high hardness due to the
resulting microstructure corresponding to the cooling rate can be obtained. Figure
1.19 shows the relationship between power on work piece (kW) and the travel
speed for different thorough thickness weldments of steel. For joining thinner plates
large range of speed and power can be used. The high power density of the laser

Fig. 1.19 Relation between laser beam power and the welding speed for different through
thickness weldments (Courtesy: Welding Hand Book, AWS)