Low-Power Pulsed Nd:YAG Welding of Copper: Effects of Oxygen on Weldability and Weld Properties

The low-power pulsed Nd:YAG welding of copper was discussed. It was found that welding was not possible when using a 100% Ar assist gas due to the low absorptivity of the C11000 Cu sheet. It was observed that when O2 was added to the assist gas, the oxide film formed on the weld pool surface during welding increased the effective absorptivity significantly. Analysis show that reduced joint strength was noticed in the weld made with an assist gas containing between 90 and 100% O2.