Method and installation for laser welding with a N2/He gas mixture, the N2/He content being controlled according to the laser power

US7385158B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme à Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Étude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude · FR

Inventors

• Francis Briand · Paris, FR
• Karim Chouf · Montmorency, FR
• Philippe Lefebvre · Boulogne-sur-Mer, FR

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 4, 2002
• Grant date: Jun 10, 2008
• Expiry date: Dec 4, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B23K26/125
• WIPO field: Machine tools
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method and an apparatus for welding with a laser beam. A shielding gas mixture of nitrogen and helium is used and the proportions of the component gases are modified depending on the laser beam's power or power density. Plasma formation in the shield gas is minimized by increasing the proportion of helium as the laser beam's power or power density increases.