Laser Welding of Steels and Alloys
A Special Issue of Metals (ISSN 2075-4701) belonging to the section "Welding and Joining".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 June 2026) | Viewed by 974
Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Laser welding has emerged as a transformative technology in advanced manufacturing due to its high energy density, minimal heat-affected zone, and compatibility with diverse materials, including high-strength steels, titanium alloys, and dissimilar metal combinations (e.g., steel–aluminum). Industrial adoption spans automotive lightweighting, aerospace component fabrication, and energy storage systems, driven by advancements such as laser–arc hybrid welding for enhanced productivity and ultrafast lasers for the low thermal damage processing of brittle materials. Despite these benefits, challenges persist, including process instability in high-reflectivity metals, intermetallic compound formation in dissimilar joints, and the high cost of precision equipment. Current academic research prioritizes multiphysics modeling of keyhole dynamics, defect mitigation strategies (e.g., beam oscillation for porosity reduction), and intelligent process control via machine learning and digital twins. Innovations in sustainable techniques, such as low-power blue lasers and vacuum-based oxidation prevention, further underscore efforts to address scalability and environmental concerns. These interdisciplinary advancements aim to expand laser welding applications in next-generation electric vehicles, aerospace systems, and renewable energy infrastructure, emphasizing efficiency, reliability, and eco-compatibility.
This Special Issue assembles recent research works on the advanced laser welding process and the structure–microstructure properities of steels and alloys welded by laser power source. Reviews, new processing technologies to manufacture advanced alloys, and new methods to control welding heat transfer, process stability, and forming quality are also welcomed.
Dr. Gang Zhang
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- laser welding technique
- heat source characteristics
- laser beam shaping
- keyhole stability
- defect control
- dissimilar metal welding
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