sampsonr
Industrial
- Mar 29, 2014
- 15
Hi Guys,
I am laser welding thin (0.5mm) 430LNT (Ti, Nb stabilized for welding) using a 2kW Rofin 1070nm fiber laser using an automated production machine. We have been playing around with applying protective gases such as Nitrogen, Argon, and Helium via Ø4mm nozzle and found that the welds are oxidized unless the protective gas is applied in a very specific way. The direction of the nozzle and flow rate are critical to getting a shiny oxide free weld. A flow rate between 1.5 - 7.5LPM is required to get this condition and anywhere out of this flow rate will result in a weld with oxide. The other condition we get when applying the gas to get a shiny weld is a severe loss in penetration. For example normally with no protective gas, 1300W is adequate to get full penetration however when gas is added the power required could now be a high as 2000W.
Has anyone come across (1) how sensitive to gas application oxide free welds are? and (2) A severe reduction in penetration when an oxide free weld is achieved verses a weld with oxide?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Roy
I am laser welding thin (0.5mm) 430LNT (Ti, Nb stabilized for welding) using a 2kW Rofin 1070nm fiber laser using an automated production machine. We have been playing around with applying protective gases such as Nitrogen, Argon, and Helium via Ø4mm nozzle and found that the welds are oxidized unless the protective gas is applied in a very specific way. The direction of the nozzle and flow rate are critical to getting a shiny oxide free weld. A flow rate between 1.5 - 7.5LPM is required to get this condition and anywhere out of this flow rate will result in a weld with oxide. The other condition we get when applying the gas to get a shiny weld is a severe loss in penetration. For example normally with no protective gas, 1300W is adequate to get full penetration however when gas is added the power required could now be a high as 2000W.
Has anyone come across (1) how sensitive to gas application oxide free welds are? and (2) A severe reduction in penetration when an oxide free weld is achieved verses a weld with oxide?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Roy