Application of laser welding on stainless steel
Heat Input, Cooling Rate, And Metallurgical Control Laser welding is inherently a low heat input, high cooling rate process, which is one reason it’s so effective for stainless steel. But “low heat” is not automatically “good” — the wrong heat input or cooling profile can lead to incomplete fusion, excessive ferrite, or microstructural defects that compromise both strength and corrosion resistance. By managing laser power, travel speed, beam focus, and filler selection, welders can control not just bead shape, but the metallurgy itself. Keep Heat Input Low — But Not Too Low · Why low heat is good: 1. Reduces distortion and residual stress, especially important in thin austenitic sheets with high thermal expansion. 2. Minimizes heat tint and oxide formation, reducing the need for post-weld cleaning. · Why too low is bad: 1. Insufficient penetration and lack of fusion defects. 2. Excessively rapid solidification can trap gases and increase porosi...