Laser Powder Deposition Welding Oscillating Solidification Front

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser powder deposition welding methods often result in columnar solidification, leading to coarse grain structures that are not finer than the layer height, which affects material properties.

Innovation Solution

A method involving oscillating solidification front during laser powder deposition welding, where the laser beam moves with a linear and oscillating pattern, oscillating the solidification front between 35% and 65% of its diameter, at frequencies between 20 Hz and 50 Hz, to suppress columnar solidification and promote fine-grained structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional laser powder deposition welding is used, then the welding process is simple and fast, but columnar solidification occurs resulting in coarse grain structures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrain structure finenessVSAvoidwobble control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The laser beam is transformed from a static positioning mode to a dynamic oscillating mode. The wobble unit introduces controlled oscillations in multiple directions (x, y, z axes) during the welding process, dynamically adjusting the heat distribution pattern to prevent columnar solidification and achieve fine-grained microstructure throughout the weld zone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies mechanical vibration through the oscillating laser beam, creating periodic disturbances in the solidification front. This vibration prevents the formation of stable columnar grain structures by continuously disrupting the directional heat flow, resulting in equiaxed fine-grained microstructure in the weld zone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

2Strength

If oscillating solidification front is implemented, then fine-grained microstructure is achieved, but the process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial propertiesVSAvoidprocess control difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system systematically varies multiple process parameters including oscillation amplitude (35%-65% of beam diameter), frequency (20-50 Hz), and phase relationships between orthogonal oscillations. These parameter changes optimize the solidification process to achieve fine-grained microstructure while maintaining operational control through defined parameter ranges and relationships.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The laser beam implements periodic oscillating motion in controlled patterns during welding. This periodic action creates repeated thermal cycles that promote continuous nucleation of new grains, preventing columnar growth and achieving uniform fine-grained microstructure throughout the weld zone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Manufacturing precision

If high frequency oscillation is used, then grain refinement is enhanced, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrain size controlVSAvoidlaser energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies oscillation parameters that exceed the minimum threshold for grain refinement (frequency >20 Hz, amplitude 35%-65% of beam diameter) to ensure complete suppression of columnar solidification. This partial excessive action guarantees fine-grained microstructure achievement while maintaining energy efficiency through optimized parameter ranges rather than maximum values.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 approach results in improved material properties by preventing columnar solidification, achieving very fine-grained structures with grain sizes smaller than the layer height, enhancing the microstructure and mechanical properties of the components.

Implementation Method 1

the solidification front of the applied material is made to oscillate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolidification: Freezing

Implementation Method 2

allows for targeted control of nucleation and grain growth in the mushy zone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNucleation: Nucleation

Implementation Method 3

targeted control of nucleation and grain growth in the mushy zone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGrain growth: Crystallisation

Implementation Method 4

laser powder deposition welding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser heating: Laser

Implementation Method 5

deposition welding process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentEP3347156B1Method of laser powder build-up welding with oscillating solidification front by defining parameters of the laser powder build-up welding
Publication Date: 2020.02.12 SIEMENS AG
  • EP3347156B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

Improved build-up welds are achieved by means of a targeted frequency selection and an amplitude which relates to the diameter (d) of the energy beam.