Method for forming a reverse spiral weld

Abstract

Systems, processes, and devices form reverse spiral welds using through-holes to vent trapped gases during laser welding, thereby mitigating or eliminating the effects of trapped gases on the weld joint, or feature reverse spiral welds formed in this way. For example, a stack of workpieces, having a first component abutting a second component, is laser-welded with a reverse spiral weld formed by clamping the stack of workpieces, piercing a through-hole located near the inner end of the spiral, scanning a beam along the welding path, and releasing the clamp. The through-hole extends through at least the first component.The through-hole is dimensioned and positioned to transport the trapped gas from the interface between the first component and the second component to an outside of the workpiece stack as it expands during the formation of the reverse spiral weld by heating.

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