Influences of laser welding parameters on the geometric profile of NI-base superalloy Rene 80 weld-bead

In the present study, autogenous laser butt joint welding parameters of Ni-base super alloy Rene 80 has been investigated by using a continuous wave 2.2 kW CO2 laser. The experiments were performed based on the response surface methodology as a statistical design of experiment approach in order to investigate the effect of parameters on the response variations, achieving the mathematical equations and predicting the new results. Laser power (1,000–2,200 W), welding speed (120–360 cm/min), laser beam focal point position (−0.5–0.5 mm) and inert gas pressure (0.2–1 bar) were considered as the input process variables while welding surface width (W1), welding pool area (A), width of the weld-bead at the middle depth (W2), undercut welding and drop of welding were considered as the five process responses. Analyzed by statistical techniques, the results show that the welding bead profile is influenced by the laser heat input and input laser process parameters. Welding speed is known as the most important parameter with the reverse effect on process outputs. Inert gas pressure is the next significant parameter, and higher gas pressure causes welding geometry defects. Laser power has a direct influence on all investigated responses.