Authors:
Matt J Reiter
Dave F Farson
Welding Engineering Program, Laboratory for Multiscale Processing and Characterization, The Ohio State University, 1248 Arthur E Adams Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43221

M Mehl
Honeywell FM&T, 2000 E 95th St., Kansas City, Missouri 64131

Circular focus spot oscillation was investigated as a means of suppressing penetration spiking and related defects in partial penetration single-mode fiber laser welds. Initially, partial penetration welds in stainless steel square-butt joints with linear travel were made to quantify weld and weld spiking characteristics. Then, welds were made with linear travel and superimposed circular oscillations having a range of angular frequencies and diameters. Oscillation parameter ranges which significantly decreased penetration spiking were identified. Additional tests quantified the ability of fiber mode laser welding with circular oscillation to accommodate part alignment mismatch errors.