Diffractive optics for reduction of hot cracking in pulsed mode Nd:YAG laser welding

In order to reduce the susceptibility to hot cracking in pulsed mode laser welding of austenitic stainless steel, an optical system for reduction of the cooling rate is sought developed. Based on intensive numerical simulations, an optical system producing three focused spots is made. In a number of systematic tests, the applicability of this system is tested on an industrial 1 kW Nd:YAG laser. Three separate series of tests are conducted, one with the diffractive optical system at 500 W and two without the diffractive system at 400 W and 500 W, respectively. In principle the diffractive, optical system functions as intended. Three spots are produced with a variable amount of energy between the center spot and two support spots. On average, the penetration depth drops to roughly half of that obtained with standard optics and the seam width increases 30 to 40 percent. The results show that at similar penetration depths, no change in quality is observed by using the diffractive system as compared to normal optics.