Laser Welding of Metallic Materials

Dear Colleagues,

Laser welding technology is one of the most advanced technologies of materials joining. Since the invention of the laser in the 1960s, the application of laser welding technology has continued to expand. This is due to the continuous development of laser devices, particularly the increase in the power of generators while maintaining the high quality of the laser beam. Thanks to this, it is possible to ensure the high power density of the laser beam as a heat source, large penetration depth and high welding speed, and thus low heat input. These features ensure the favourable shape of laser welds and a narrow heat-affected zone, which is especially important in the case of joining modern and advanced alloys such as ultra-high-strength steels (UHSS), advanced high-strength steels (AHSS), modern stainless duplex and super duplex steel, nickel-based alloys, nonferrous and light metals, e.g., titanium and aluminium alloys, nanostructured alloys or metal matrix composites. For example, modern fibre lasers can generate a single-mode beam at an output power of up to 20 kW, while in the case of industrial applications of multimode laser beams, the power level reaches even up to 100 kW. Thanks to the availability of lasers with such high power, it is now possible to weld one-sided or double-sided thick plates with a thickness of 30 mm or even higher. Laser hybrid technologies of welding are another interesting direction that extend the possibilities of joining, combining the advantages of two simultaneously applied methods and thus providing the effect of synergy. We invite all researchers on aspects related to laser welding technologies to contribute the Topic on “Laser Welding in Metallic Materials”, intended as multidisciplinary forum covering broad aspects of science, technology, and the application of laser and related technologies for metallic materials welding.

Prof. Dr. Aleksander Lisiecki
Prof. Dr. Leu-Wen Tsay
Topic Editors