Welding of titanium alloy by Disk laser

The following article describes results of investigations on influence of laser welding parameters on the weld shape, quality and mechanical properties of 2.0 mm thick butt joints of titanium alloy Ti6Al4V (Grade 5 according to ASTM B265) welded with a new generation disk laser TRUMPF TRUDISK 3302, emitting at 1030 nm, with maximum output power 3300 W at circular laser beam spot, characterized by laser beam divergence 8.0 mm•mrad. The test butt joints of Ti6Al4V titanium alloy sheets were prepared as single square groove (I-type joint) and one-side laser welded without an additional material, at a flat position, using a specially designed system for shielding gas (purity 99.999%). The investigations at the initial stage were focused on detailed analysis of influence of the basic laser welding parameters such as laser power and welding speed on the shape and quality of single bead produced during bead-on-plate welding. Then the optimal parameters were chosen for laser welding of 2.0 mm thick butt joints of the titanium alloy Ti6Al4V. Edges of the titanium alloy sheets were melted in argon atmosphere by the laser beam focused on the top surface of butt joints. The test welded joints were investigated by visual inspection, metallographic examinations, hardness and micro-hardness measurements and mechanical tests such as tensile tests and bending tests. It was found that the welding mode is a keyhole welding and providing high quality of joints requires a special techniques and conditions of laser welding, as well as special gas shielding nozzles is required.