Process for laser beam welding with reduced formation of end craters

US7091444B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Daimlerchrysler AG · US

Inventors

• Wolfgang Becker · Eppstein, DE
• Markus Beck · Scotts Valley, US
• Klaus Goth · Sindelfingen, DE
• Mike Paelmer · Weil der Stadt, DE
• Claus-Dieter Reiniger · Winnenden, DE
• Daniel Zauner · Langenau, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 1, 2004
• Grant date: Aug 15, 2006
• Expiry date: Apr 6, 2024

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B23K26/24
• WIPO field: Machine tools
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

During laser beam welding a so-called end crater forms at the end of the weld seam. The end crater is formed by the volume shrinkage of the solidifying melt after the laser beam reaches the seam end and is switched off or repositioned. The end crater acts as a geometric notch and decreases the mechanical characteristics, in particular the operational stability, of the weld seam so that holes or tears in the area of the end crater can occur. The task of the present invention is thus comprised of providing a process for reducing end crater formation. The task is solved in that towards the seam end the focus of the laser beam is distanced from the surface to be welded and/or a transverse movement of the beam occurs.