An autogenous laser welding of dissimilar materials involving AISI 304 austenitic stainless steels and Inconel 600 nickel alloy was investigated in this study. Hence, the aim of this investigation was to study the solidification and microstructure of fusion zone when using a pulsed Nd:YAG laser. The laser and optical beam parameters were chosen to achieve a good weld with total penetration. Optical microscopy pictures showed a typical keyhole weld with total penetration, small pores and free of cracks. The x-ray spectrometry by energy dispersion (EDX) carried out in the melting zone showed a heterogeneous distribution of the nickel and iron. Fusion zone solidification began by epitaxial growth of the base metal along the fusion boundary. The solidification behavior is influenced by thermal gradient, solidification rate and chemical composition. The results of Vickers microhardness carried out in the joint were reasonably homogeneous. Tensile strength measurements showed high values of weld efficiency.
LBW process; AISI 304 Stainless steel; 600 Inconel; Dissimilar Materials
