Material joining: Characterization of laser beam welding

Laser beam welding is a modern material joining technique that utilizes a high power density laser to heat and thereby, fuse, two materials together. Compared to traditional welding techniques, laser-based methods can achieve narrower welds, higher speeds and are easier to automate. Like traditional welding techniques, materials are melted in the weld zone, though with much more rapid heating and cooling cycles. These rapid thermal cycles are potentially concerning for formation cracks through thermal stresses and changes in the microstructure giving undesirable or inhomogeneous mechanical properties.

In this application note, Bruker Nano presents a combined nanoindentation mapping and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) study of 410 stainless steel laser cladding on a 4140 steel substrate to evaluate changes in microstructure and mechanical properties as a consequence of the joining process.