Surface modification of laser welded nimonic 263 sheets

Abstract

Laser surface treatment is both a thermomechanical and mechanical process, based on the ability of a high energy laser pulse to generate shock waves and plastic deformation in metallic materials. Laser welding is a high energy density process with many advantages such as narrow heat affected zone, lower heat input and lower heat/energy distortion compared to conventional welding processes. In this paper, Nimonic 263 alloy sheets are laser welded by Nd:YAG laser using different laser processing parameters. The microstructure, surface roughness and mechanical properties are investigated. Welded joints are mechanically treated by laser in order to improve the surface and mechanical characteristics. Mechanical characteristics are determined by tensile test, and fractures and laser treated weld surfaces are observed by scanning and optical microscopy. Surface topography is analysed by optical profilometry and micro hardness is measured by Vickers method.