Laser Welding of 304L Stainless Steel

[BATman2]

I have a supplier that is proposing to change a large spot welded structure to laser welded. Structural issues aside, does anyone have any experience with volumetric inspection of laser welds (excluding x-ray)? Any suggestions on how to go about that? The sample provided to me shows a very narrow weld "line", ultrasonic inspections would be difficult I think.

Thanks,
Batman2

 

[MintJulep]

You might find these interesting:

http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/Xplore/login.jsp?url=/iel3/4704/13124/00598246.pdf?arnumber=598246

Its focus seems to be butt-welds, but there might be some references of use.

http://scitation.aip.org/getabs/ser...0009700001010Q102000001&idtype=cvips&gifs=yes

 

[EdStainless]

You have hit on the issue, the weld width and volume is very small. You could use UT, but you might find yourself rejecting on minor variations not related to fusion.

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