Laser welding of stainless steel self-steering tube-to-tube joints with oscillating mirror

Abstract

Modern lasers can produce a high-quality beam. This allows the use of a small focal point even smaller than 0.3 mm in diameter. Welding with a small spot can provide excellent productivity but it has limitations; for example, a very narrow weld that is not suitable for all types of joints. The problem in the laser welding of tube-to-tube joints is the positioning of the tubes and roundness error of the tube ends. One possible solution is studied in the present work: the use of a self-steering joint and welding with an oscillating mirror. A self-steering joint might help due to a zero gap in every case. With scanner laser welding, it is possible to achieve wider welds with sufficient weld quality. The scanner allows more precise control of the process and gives more options for laser welding. The welding process can be more accurately controlled due to a wide range of parameters.