Study on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Laser Welded Joints of 1.7225 Steel

The aim of the present study is to investigate the mechanical and microstructural properties of 1.7225 steel in laser welding process using Nd:YAG pulsed laser device and then to determine the optimal focal length relative to the part in the welding area. After welding, microstructural characterization, microhardness and tensile tests were performed. Evaluations showed that the optimal focal length for welding of steel sheet 1.7225 with a thickness of 1 mm, it was about 9 mm and the focus was 1 mm below the surface of the part. Due to the high thermal concentration and cooling rate in laser welding, a completely martensitic microstructure has been observed in the molten and heat-affected regions of all specimens. In this alloy, the hardness of the base metal is 310±10 HV. After welding, the hardness of the sample with the optimal focal length   has reached 625±10 HV in the heat affected zone and 730±10 HV in the melting zone. Also, the results of tensile test showed that the tensile properties of the sample with the optimal focal length were almost similar to the base steel and fracture was observed in the base steel region.