Laser Welding High-Tensile Steel Bead Sequence

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional laser welding methods often result in insufficient strength of the weld zone, particularly when welding high-tensile steel sheets with tensile strength of 780 MPa or more and carbon content of 0.07 mass% or more, leading to inadequate joint strength and potential welding deformation.

Innovation Solution

A laser welding method where the second beads are formed after the first bead has cooled to a temperature equal to or lower than the Ms point - 50°C, with the first beads having a circular shape and the second beads being concentric with the first beads, forming an angle of 10° or more, and the second beads being formed within a temperature range of 400°C to Ac1 point + 50°C to enhance joint strength and reduce deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional laser welding methods are used on high-tensile steel sheets, then welding speed and thermal deformation are controlled, but the weld zone strength is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweld zone strengthVSAvoidjoint strength
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The welding process is divided into multiple passes creating sequential beads instead of a single continuous bead. The first bead is formed, cooled to specific temperature, then the second bead is formed to temper the first bead, creating a multi-layered weld structure that enhances strength through controlled heat treatment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention controls the temperature parameter by waiting for the first bead to cool to Ms point - 50°C before forming the second bead, and maintains the first bead temperature between 400°C and Ac1 point + 50°C during second bead formation. This precise temperature control enables tempering of the first bead to achieve optimal hardness and strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If high-tensile steel sheets with high carbon content are welded, then material strength is maintained, but weld zone strength becomes insufficient and deformation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteel sheet strengthVSAvoidwelding deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The first bead is formed and allowed to cool to a specific temperature (Ms point - 50°C) before the second bead is applied. This preliminary cooling action prepares the first bead for tempering, ensuring it reaches the optimal temperature state for the tempering process that follows

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The heat from the second bead, which could potentially cause excessive thermal deformation, is instead utilized as a beneficial tempering heat treatment for the first bead. By controlling the timing and temperature, the harmful thermal effect is converted into a beneficial hardening and strengthening process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method significantly enhances the strength of the weld zone while minimizing welding deformation, achieving improved joint strength and shear strength by tempering the first bead and optimizing the heat transfer process.

Implementation Method 1

The laser welding uses a laser beam as a heat source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser heating: Laser

Implementation Method 2

by appropriately forming the beads and making average Vickers hardness of the first bead lower than average Vickers hardness of the second and subsequent beads

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

the second beads are each formed for the first bead whose maximum temperature has become equal to or lower than an Ms point - 50°C

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase transformation: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentEP2628563B1Laser welding method
Publication Date: 2020.08.26 NIPPON STEEL CORPORATION
  • EP2628563B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2A
  • EP2628563B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~3B
  • EP2628563B1 patent drawingFigure 3C~3E

AI summary

At a plurality of welding positions in an overlap portion of a plurality of members including a high-tensile steel sheet whose carbon content is 0.07 weight% or more, first beads (31 to 36) in a closed loop shape or a closed loop-like shape and second beads (41 to 46) in a closed loop shape or a closed loop-like shape on inner sides of the first bead (31 to 36) are formed by remote laser welding for joining. At this time, there are a procedure for successively forming the plural first beads (31 to 36) and a procedure for successively forming the plural second beads (41 to 46) for the plural formed first beads (31 to 36), and in both of the cases, the beads are each formed at a position except the closest welding position among the plural welding positions. Consequently, it is possible to enhance strength of a weld zone and to suppress welding deformation.