Similar Joining of NiTi Shape Memory Alloy using Nd:YAG Pulsed Laser Welding

In this research similar joining of NiTi shape memory alloy was studied. For this purpose, NiTi alloy in the form of wires with circular cross section possessing martensitic phase structure at room temperature was used. By utilizing Nd:YAG pulsed laser welding method followed by optimizing its technical parameters, a defectless joint in terms of appearance and metallurgical properties was obtained. In the next step, the effect of various pulsed laser duration time on properties of the obtained similar joint of NiTi was investigated. Moreover, the resultant microstructures were studied using optical microscope (OP) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) equipped with chemical analysis of EDS. Furthermore, the samples prepared under different pulsed laser duration time conditions were characterized by using tensile and micro-hardness tests. Investigating the results of the performed evaluations revealed that higher levels of heat input has resulted in grain growth, dissolution of precipitations as well as reduction in hardness and ultimate tensile strength of the samples in the joint zone.