Effect Of Laser Power Density On AISI 304L Tube Manufacturing By Laser Welding

Year 2025, Volume: 11 Issue: 3, 518 - 528, 31.12.2025

Mehtap Hıdıroğlu , Ahmet Onayli , Nizamettin Kahraman

Abstract

In this study, AISI 304L stainless steel sheets were joined using laser welding without filler material to produce 12 mm diameter tubes for pipe manufacturing purposes. The effects of laser power variations on mechanical and microstructural properties were examined. Welding parameters ranged from 50 W to 80 W, with heating inputs of 0.370 kJ/mm (N1), 0.533 kJ/mm (N2), and 0.592 kJ/mm (N3). Microhardness testing showed higher hardness in the weld metal (227–285 HV) than in the base material, with minimal changes in the heat-affected zone. Drift-expanding tests indicated reduced plastic deformation with increasing heat input. Simulations confirmed the influence of welding parameters on temperature gradients and fusion zone widths, with maximum temperatures of 1361°C, 1545°C, and 1716°C for N1, N2, and N3, respectively. As part of the parameter determination, laser weld analysis of the N1, N2 and N3 parameters was carried out using the Simufact welding program. Altair Hyper Works was used in the FEA (Finite Element Analysis) simulation studies of the tube drift expansion. The physical test results were found to be consistent with the analysis results.

Keywords

Laser Welding , 304L , HAZ

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