CO/sub 2/ and Nd:YAG laser welding of stainless steel and beryllium copper valves: Final report

Technical Report · Sun Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1987

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6588241· OSTI ID:6588241

Hendrix, T. L.

Tests were conducted to evaluate Nd:YAG and CO/sub 2/ lasers as alternates to electron beam welding of beryllium copper and stainless steel valves at Bendix Kansas City Division (BKC). Samples were welded and evaluated for all current requirements. Microphotographs of cross-sections were compared to the current electron beam welds. The Nd:YAG lasers were used to weld the beryllium copper valves. The data shows this process cannot consistently provide 0.010-inch minimum weld penetration, and large weld penetration variations can be expected. A 1000-watt CO/sub 2/ laser was used to weld the stainless steel valves and was successful in meeting the requirements of two of the assemblies attempted. Penetration was limited to approximately 0.080 inch at full power (870 watts). The CO/sub 2/ laser could not meet the penetration requirements (0.099 inch) of one of the assemblies attempted.

• Research Organization: Allied Corp., Kansas City, MO (USA). Bendix Kansas City Div.
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00613
• OSTI ID: 6588241
• Report Number(s): BDX-613-3711; ON: DE87007829
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360101* -- Metals & Alloys-- Preparation & Fabrication
ALLOYS
BERYLLIUM ALLOYS
CHROMIUM ALLOYS
CONTROL EQUIPMENT
COPPER ALLOYS
CORROSION RESISTANT ALLOYS
EQUIPMENT
EVALUATION
FABRICATION
FLOW REGULATORS
IRON ALLOYS
IRON BASE ALLOYS
JOINING
LASER WELDING
LASERS
METALLOGRAPHY
NEODYMIUM LASERS
SOLID STATE LASERS
STAINLESS STEELS
STEELS
VALVES
WELDING