Characterization of depositions on laser welded components
Julian Duttenhofer, Merve Konar, Gunter Gläßel, Chris Bräuner
ADMEDES GmbH, Rastatter Str. 15, 75179 Pforzheim, Germany
Abstract. Laser welding has become an important process in developing and manufacturing of medical components especially for Nitinol.
This process enables it to join filigree medical components with sophisticated technical requirements. The combination of modern laser beam sources and NC machine systems ensures general reliable process control. Due to the small laser spot size and the high intensity per area a minimum heat input is ensured. Therefore, laser welding is an appropriate process for joining Nitinol as well as other materials like stainless steel or radiopaque marker material.
A potential process output for laser welding is the discoloration of the weld seam. This can be controlled with a sufficient shielding gas covering like argon. A further effect is the emergence of particles during the welding process. A smut alike dust dissipates and deposits partially in the surrounding of the weld seam.
This survey characterizes the deposition on laser welded joints of Nitinol and stainless steel. Based on its reproduction, potential strategies to avoid the emergence as well as to remove the depositions are within focus of this study. Chemical and physical analysis of the deposition is performed in addition.