Laser induction welding of gear shafts

Technology

Laser induction welding is the combination of laser welding with the application of heat treatment. The inductive energy is introduced into the process directly before, during or after the laser treatment. This enables the modification of the welding processes in such a way that transient tension can be decreased, cracks can be avoided, and undesired hardening effects can be reduced or eliminated. In addition, more stable thermodynamic phases can be generated and the welding speed can be increased.

Fraunhofer holds the patent for the process, which has been successfully implemented in several high volume production applications, including two machines running at Visteon in Germany since 1997.

Applications

Steels that could previously not be laser welded due to their pronounced tendency to suffer heat or cold cracking are the preferred application area. For example:

• Heat treatable steel
• Case hardened steel
• Selected cold working steel, heat stable steel or higher alloyed steels
• Free machining steels

Examples of laser induction welding in the tool industry are open motor shafts, parts for drilling machines, drill shafts, etc. Especially novel, cost-effective component designs become possible.

Contact

Mr. Craig Bratt
Phone: 1-734-738-0550