Experimental Investigation of the Influence of Edge Morphology in High Power Fiber Laser Welding

The objective of the research is to investigate and compare the quality of welded samples of two low alloyed steels, S355 and St 3 with various edge preparations in butt joint configuration. Welding was performed with high power fiber lasers with a wavelength of 1070 nm at power levels of 10 and 14 kW. Joint edge surface roughness and the air gap between the plates had a significant effect on penetration depth. Optimum roughness levels and recommended increase in the air gap between the plates to provide maximum penetration depth are presented.