Comparison of Ti-5Al-5V-5Mo-3Cr Welds Performed by Laser Beam, Electron Beam and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding

Welding characteristics of Ti-5Al-5V-5Mo-3Cr (Ti5553) alloy has been investigated. The weld joints were performed by laser beam (LBW), electron beam (EBW) and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). Regardless of the welding method used, the welds showed low hardness values with coarse columnar grains in the fusion zone (FZ) and retained equiaxed beta phase within the heat affected zone (HAZ). Larger grains were present at the near HAZ compared with far HAZ (near base metal). The strengths of the welded samples were lower than the base metal. Fracture occurred at the weld zones with transgranular and microvoid coalescence fracture mechanism.