Diode laser welding of stainless steel 304L

It was demonstrated that high powered diode lasers are capable of deep penetration welding. Keyhole mode welding was achieved and the weld properties are comparable to that of other high energy density welding processes. For welding of plates in the 10 mm thickness range, the results suggested that the more economic high power diode lasers may become a competitor to different laser beam systems which may be more expensive in both procurement and operation.