EFFECT OF PARAMETERS IN REPAIR WELDING OF PLASTIC MOLD STEEL WITH ND: YAG LASER WELDING PROCESS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55766/sujst-2024-04-e04529Keywords:
AISI P20, Nd: YAG laser welding process, Plastic mold steel, Repair weldingAbstract
Laser welding is widely used across various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and jewelry manufacturing. Mold repair welding, in particular, has become a critical focus, aiming to efficiently restore molds to their original state before any damage occurs. This study investigates the parameters that influence weld integrity, specifically pulse frequency and pulse duration, while examining the macro and microstructural aspects of the welds and evaluating their hardness values. By employing a combination of plastic injection mold steel (AISI P20) and Nd: YAG laser welding, the research reveals that increasing these parameters expanded the weld bead, with optimal settings identified as a pulse frequency of 7 Hz and a pulse duration of 5, 6, and 7 ms, ensuring comprehensive welds while minimizing incomplete fusion defects. The heat input ranged from 116 to 468.3 J/mm, directly correlating with pulse duration and pulse frequency. The welds exhibited acicular martensitic structures, with coarse grains in the weld metal (WM) and fine grains in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) due to rapid cooling, resulting in increased hardness. The hardness values ranged from 320.4 to 413 HV.
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