Conduction mode laser welding with beam shaping using a deformable mirror

This study explores the possibility of tailoring fusion zone in conduction mode laser welding using a deformable mirror for beam shaping multi-kilowatt continuous wave sources. Three power density distributions were shaped and used bead on plate Ti64 plates at three travel speeds. The effect melt pool free surface geometry, cross section, microstructure hardness profiles was measured studied. It is shown that geometry can be modified mirror. A narrower longer or wider, shorter shallower one indeed obtained forming Gaussian-elliptical oriented along transverse to direction, respectively. latter distribution could favourable option additive manufacturing as it improve process efficiency while reducing remelting previous layer. system has also promising potential adaptive control since change fundamentally shape rate faster than 10 ms.