AbstractIn this paper, the effect of autogenous diode laser beam welding (LBW) and the influence of post weld heat treatment (PWHT) on microstructural changes and mechanical properties of dual phase DP1400 high strength steel (HSS) butt welded joint are studied and presented. LBW and PWHT were performed on 1 mm sheet thickness using 3 and 5 kW diode laser systems, respectively. The technology ensures high quality welded joints in HSS and facilitate the welding and PWHT by same process and equipment. Microstructure evaluation was performed using optical and scanning electron microscopy. Related to the mechanical properties, tensile tests, fractography of fractured tensile specimens and three-point bending tests were carried out. The microstructural examination presented the constituents of martensite and ferrite in the heat affected zone (HAZ) and fusion zone (FZ) consists of predominantly lath martensite with ferrite and some bainite. Tempered martensite was observed after PWHT in HAZ and FZ. The hardening peaks observed in coarse-grained and fine-grained subzones were significantly reduced by the novelty technology, i.e. PWHT and thereby cold cracking sensitivity. The fractography of the fractured tensile specimens showed characteristic features of ductile failure.
Influence of focal spot diameter and beam oscillation on the process efficiency of laser beam welding utilizing a direct diode laser