What protective gas should I use for laser welding?

The role of shielding gas in laser welding

In laser welding, the protective gas will affect the weld formation, the weld quality, the weld penetration and the width of the weld. In most cases, the blowing of the shielding gas will have a beneficial effect on the weld, but it will not be used.  Good may also have an adverse effect.

The positive effect of shielding gas on laser welding

1) Proper blowing of protective gas will effectively protect the weld pool from oxidation and even avoid oxidation.

2) Proper blowing of the shielding gas can effectively reduce the splash generated during the welding process and protect the focusing mirror or the protective mirror.

3) Proper blowing of the protective gas can promote uniform spreading of the weld pool during solidification, so that the weld bead is formed evenly and beautifully.

4) Proper blowing of the shielding gas can effectively reduce the shielding effect of the metal vapor plume or the plasma cloud on the laser , increase the laser energy reaching the surface of the workpiece, and increase the effective utilization of the laser.

5) Proper blowing of protective gas can effectively reduce weld porosity.

As long as the gas type, gas flow rate, and  select correct blowing method , you can get desire effect. However, incorrect use of shielding gas can also adversely affect welding.

Adverse effects of improper use of shielding gas on laser welding

1) Incorrect blowing of shielding gas may cause the weld to deteriorate:

2) Choosing the wrong type of gas may cause cracks in the weld and may also result in a decrease in the mechanical properties of the weld;

3) Choosing the wrong gas blowing flow rate may cause the weld to be more oxidized. (whether the flow rate is too large or too small)

4) Choosing the wrong gas blowing method will result in the weld not achieving the protective effect or even the basic protection effect or negatively affecting the weld formation;

5) Insufflation of the shielding gas will have a certain influence on the weld penetration, especially when the thin plate is welded, the weld penetration will be reduced.

Hope it is helpful for you,we will share you the gas type in the next article.

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