Modified Twin-Spot Laser Welding of Complex Phase Steel

The work addresses modified methods of twin-spot laser welding of complex phase steel sheets and investigates the effects of laser beam distribution on the macrostructure, microstructure and hardness. The research-related results were obtained for the beam power distributions of 50%-50%, 60%-40% and 70%-30%. Test joints were made using a Yb:YAG disc laser with a maximum power of 12 kW and a welding head by means of which it was possible to focus a laser beam on two spots. It was found that the change in the laser beam distribution affects geometrical features of the joint. The application of the second beam of lower power enables obtaining tempering-like effects, which finally lead to the beneficial hardness reduction both in the fusion zone and in heat-affected zone. The identification of various microstructural constituents in different zones of the joint was performed using light microscopic micrographs and scanning electron images.