Laser micro-welding (LMW) of crossed 316LVM stainless steel wire

Pulsed Nd:YAG laser micro-welding (LMW) is a joining process widely used in the fabrication of implantable medical devices, such as pacemakers and orthodontic brackets. The excellent corrosion resistance of 316 low-carbon vacuum melted (LVM) stainless steel (SS) wire makes it ideal for biomedical applications. To date, limited work has been published on the LMW of 316 LVM. In the current study, optimization of the bonding conditions for LMW of 316 LVM was carried out by varying the peak power input. The mechanical performance of welds are investigated by obtaining the joint breaking force (JBF) by conducting micro-tensile testing. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) facilitated the examination of fracture surfaces. Weld cross-sections are used to characterize metallurgical observations and detail the bonding mechanism. Additionally, a comparison of mechanical properties of resistance micro-welding (RMW) and LMW of crossed 316LVM wire is discussed. Copyright © 2008 ASM International®.