Welding with the Laser Beam in Vacuum

Abstract

In the vehicle industry, beam welding methods are successfully applied for the joining of high‐quality parts. Here, the focus is mainly put on drive section components. Especially in component manufacturing of couplings, toothed wheel — shaft joints and drive shafts, electron beam welding using small vacuum cycle chambers is applied. The application of powerful solid‐state lasers results, however, often in negative consequences, such as soiling by process emissions or increased tendency to spatter. The application of laser beam welding in vacuum allows for the reduction of these side effects and, at the same time, for the increase of penetration depth and weld quality. This article introduces first results gained from tests made with workpieces from the vehicle industry.