Structural characterization of C-Mn steel laser beam welded joints with powder filler metal

The possibility of performing successfully sound welds on steel using the l aser beam welding (LBW) process with powder filler metal has been used to i nvestigate possible advantages regarding an easier control of the compositi on of the welded zone. In this work, LBW joints were carried out on C-Mn st eel plates with Prepared square and beveled edges. Ni filler powder was use d as a tracer of the powder penetration inside the joints. The examination of welds included metallographic work by optical and scanning electron micr oscopy (SEM), with microanalysis by energy dispersive spectroscopy, to obta in indications on powder distribution. Mechanical properties were evaluated by Vickers microhardness tests.