Review on Vacuum Laser Beam Welding

Abstract

Vacuum laser beam welding (VLBW) exhibits better welding characteristics, e.g., deep penetration, less pore, and spatter generation, compared with the conventional laser welding technique under atmospheric pressure. Low ambient pressure affects the vaporization temperature of the base material and the interaction between laser and plasma plume, which affects the behaviors of laser-induced plasma plume, keyhole, and weld pool flow. This review introduces improvements in welding characteristics such as penetration depth, pore, and spatter generation in the VLBW process. The effect of ambient pressure on welding characteristics was reviewed, and the behavior of laser-induced plume, keyhole, and molten pool under reduced ambient pressure was discussed to understand the mechanisms for enhanced weldability.

Investigation of microstructure, mechanical, and corrosion properties of Inconel 617 joints welded by laser–MIG hybrid welding

“…Previous studies have shown that the rate of the anode reaction can be controlled via grain refinement, but it has minimal effect on the rate of the cathode reaction. 59,60 With the increases in WFR, the coarsening of the grains results in lower grain boundary density and anode reaction to accelerate, which deteriorates the corrosion resistance of LHW welded Inconel alloy. 61,62…”