laser welding

[bigTomHanks]

This should be an easy one for the welding experts on here. We have a brass plug that is to be pressed into a brass body that we would like to laser weld(no filler). For the allowable shear stress in this situation I am assuming a value of 8,700 psi[(0.3)*29,000 psi(29k from machinery handbook for brass)]. Would this be a good approximation for the shear strength of the welded brass.

 

[Goahead]

Brass is a generic term for indicating alloys of Copper and Zinc. Weldability may be limited in proportion to the zinc amount present. Zinc gives off toxic vapors.
An actual test of a welded joint, if possible, would be more informative than handbook data.

http://www.welding-advisers.com/

 

[metengr]

What is the actual composition of the brass alloy for the plug and body? Certain alloy contents in brass can also result in poor weldability.

To answer your question regarding shear strength. There are published values depending on alloy composition. However, allowable shear stress and shear strength are different engineering terms. If you are going to use a 0.3 design factor for allowable shear stress to prevent failure from shear, this value would probably be safe to use. Some of the reported ultimate shear strength values for brass alloys can vary from 0.5 to 0.9 times the reported ultimate tensile strength.