Laser beam welding of brass – Goal: reliable and automated

The LZH is researching a controlled laser beam welding process for brass
Photo: LZH

Brass is used for many components, but welding the copper alloy is challenging. The Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH) wants to change this together with LMB Automation GmbH, Iserlohn. In the project LaserMessing, they are developing a laser-based manufacturing system for automated production of brass components such as fittings, bearings, valves, turbines or heat exchangers.

Within the project LaserMessing, the scientists of the LZH are working on a welding process that combines laser-based deep welding and cored wire processes. The goal: a stable, automatable process with weld seams free of pores, weld spatters and underfill – for components with high aesthetic demands.

Controlled process for high weld seam quality

For this, the scientists of the group Joining and Cutting of Metals rely on a controllable method in combination with adaptable beam profiles, which unites two processes. They will use thermography and spectroscopy data to monitor the process and develop a process control system together with LMB. In doing so, they aim to target energy into the workpieces and reduce vapor capillary fluctuations. The process is to be additionally stabilized by the use of core and ring spots. The subsequent laser cored wire process smooths the seam surface of the previously created deep welds for applications in the field of vision.

Laser beam welding of brass: A challenge

The LZH wants to combine two processes for laser welding in one manufacturing system and control and stabilize the process using spectroscopic measurement data and adaptable beam profiles.
Draft: LZH

The processing of the copper alloy brass is challenging, but laser beam welding is in principle well suited for its processing. Laser beam welding places only a low thermal load on the workpiece and achieves very narrow and deep seams. It is also very easy to automate, fast and precise. However, processes specifically for joining brass alloys are often still affected by process instabilities. The alloyed zinc already evaporates below the melting temperature of copper. For this reason, pore formation and a high hot cracking tendency of the seams occur.

Brass has a very good electrical conductivity and high corrosion resistance, as well as an attractive appearance. For this reason, brass components are used in many applications ranging from fittings, machinery, and apparatus engineering to power plants, vehicles, and shipbuilding. An automated welding solution will enable LMB Automation GmbH to offer its customers welding processes for the series production of brass components and thus decisively expand its product portfolio.

About LaserMessing

Partners of the project LaserMessing („Entwicklung einer Fertigungsstrategie zum prozesssicheren Laserstrahlschweißen von Messingbauteilen“) are the Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. and the LMB Automation GmbH, Iserlohn. The project ist funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (grant agreement no.KK5111708KX1).

https://www.lzh.de/

Media Contact

Lena Bennefeld Kommunikation
Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V.

All latest news from the category: Machine Engineering

Machine engineering is one of Germany’s key industries. The importance of this segment has led to the creation of new university degree programs in fields such as production and logistics, process engineering, vehicle/automotive engineering, production engineering and aerospace engineering among others.

innovations-report offers informative reports and articles covering technologies such as automation, motion, power train, energy, conveyor, plastics, lightweight construction, logistics/warehousing, measurement systems, machine tools and control engineering.

Back to home

Comments (0)

Write a comment

Newest articles

EEG ad tDCS chould serve as the basis of therapeutic strategies to combat newrological disorders. Image Credit: Institute of Science Tokyo

Using Electroencephalography to Improve Language Disorder Treatments

Researchers work towards an inexpensive and portable solution for treating aphasia  Electroencephalography (EEG) may offer a more accessible alternative to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) for guiding transcranial direct current…

The BioSCape team is poctured with NASA and South African aircraft. Image Credit: Jeremey Shelton/Fishwater Films

Measuring Life on Earth from Space: A Global Research Project

Measurements and data collected from space can be used to better understand life on Earth. An ambitious, multinational research project funded by NASA and co-led by UC Merced civil and…

NEJM study finds patients with blockages in medium-sized vessels in the brain who had endovascular treatment did not do any better and did not see any improvement compared to patients who had the standard of care. Dr. Michael Hill, MD, Dr. Mayank Goyal, MD, PhD (right). Image Credit: Riley Brandt, University of Calgary

Best Approach for Stroke in Medium-Sized Blood Vessels Identified

Calgary’s Stroke Program advancing science to improve care, treatment and outcomes for patients  University of Calgary’s Hotchkiss Brain Institute researchers with the Calgary Stroke Program at Foothills Medical Centre revolutionized…