Product Code: ICA10_1807

Laser Beam Welding in Vacuum – A Process Variation in Comparison with Electron Beam Welding
Authors:
Uwe Reisgen, Rwth Aachen University - Welding and Joining Institute (Isf); Aachen Germany
Simon Olschok, Rwth Aachen University - Welding and Joining Institute (Isf); Aachen Germany
Stefan Longerich, Rwth Aachen University - Welding and Joining Institute (Isf); Aachen Germany
Presented at ICALEO 2010

Laser beam welding (LBW) and electron beam welding (EBW) are well-established methods for industrial application. Although being in competition to one another every so often, their process-specific properties allow the processes to cover their own application fields. For both methods different variations are available which allow the welding of an extensive material spectrum in highly different application fields, ranging from heavy machinery construction to micro-system technology, where the methods have, for decades now, been applied by the industry. Possible process variations are, e.g., laser beam welding with filler material and/or laser beam GMA hybrid welding or electron beam welding under atmospheric pressure (EBW-NV). In the field of beam welding methods there have, for years, been constant attempts to change and extend the possibilities for application. Among those are the further development of the equipment technology and also the improvement of the mathematical models for process simulation and prediction of welding results. Laser beam welding in vacuum (LBW-V) is a new process variation which may allow to open up new application fields. To the users of beam welding technology, this process variation may provide an alternative to the LBW- or EBW methods/equipment which have been applied so far. The process variation offers, moreover, important data for process modeling since it is possible to examine the beam-matter-interactions during laser beam welding without the interaction with the atmosphere. This paper presents a comparison between laser beam welding and electron beam welding. In a first step, the principles of both methods are introduced followed by a presentation of research results from laser beam welding in vacuum. Afterwards, the potentials of this process variation are demonstrated and the need for research work is specified.

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