Laser welding of high nitrogen steel

The feasibility of laser welding of high nitrogen ferritic and austenitic steels was investigated for different laser types (CO2 and Nd:YAG). The process parameters of laser welds were optimized with respect to the minimization of the formation of pores in the seam. Even in the state of non-thermodynamical equilibrium, laser welds of high nitrogen steel are characterized by a small evaporation loss of nitrogen. Results concering the porosity, the hardness profile as well as the distribution of signigicant elements at optimized process parameters will be reported.