High-performance laser welding process is patented

In the modern aerospace and automotive industries alloys based on orthorhombic titanium aluminide are actively applied due to a number of valuable properties: high heat resistance and low density, creep resistance, and oxidation resistance. The most efficient way to manufacture parts from such alloys is laser welding. However, as noted by Sergey Zherebtsov, Professor of BelSU Department of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, the laser welding methods used today are characterized by low productivity and labor intensity, and the resulting welded joints have reduced characteristics of mechanical properties. In order to eliminate these drawbacks, Belgorod scientists together with their colleagues from Helmholtz Center (Geestaht, Germany) developed a new method of laser welding, which involves preheating of workpieces, laser welding in the optimal mode and subsequent heat treatment.

According to Stanislav Naumov, Senior Researcher at the Laboratory of Bulk Nanostructured Materials, the technology application will improve productivity by increasing the speed of laser welding by more than three times.