M. I. Khan, Y. Zhou, Univeristy of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
The excellent pseudoelasticity, shape memory and biocompatibility of Nitinol has made it a leading candidate for various applications, including aerospace, micro-electronics and medical devices. Challenges associated with the welding Nitinol need to be resolved before its full potential in practical applications can be attained. The current study details the effects of process parameters on the mechanical and pseudoelastic properties of Ni-rich pulsed Nd:YAG laser welded Nitinol. The weld strength and pseudoelastic properties for varying welding parameters are compared to those of the base metal. Furthermore, fracture surfaces have been analyzed and detailed. Results show that process parameters greatly influence the mechanical performance and fracture mode of weldments.
Summary: Laser welding is a key fabrication process implanted in the manufacture of miniature medical devices. The effects of pulsed ND:YAG laser welding parameters on the mechanical properties of Nitinol were investigated. Results revealed that varying peak power and pulse frequency modified the joint failure strength.
