Parameter influence on the laser weld geometry documented by the matrix flow chart

Abstract Three variants of fibre laser welding of corner joints where studied. In service a welded piece experiences fatigue load in a complex manner. The peak stress responsible for the fatigue life of the product is mainly determined by positioning and the geometry of the resulting weld. Some top and root shapes where identified for the joints studied. While parameter documentation is straightforward, generalization and combination of knowledge is a challenge. A new documentation method, the Matrix Flow Chart, MFC, turned out to be a powerful solution for large scale documentation, combination and generalization. Three variants of fibre laser welding of corner joints where studied. The peak stress responsible for the fatigue life of the product is mainly determined by the geometry of the resulting weld. Different top and root shape classes were identified for the joints studied. The shapes mainly depend on geometrical laser beam parameters and govern the peak stress. While parameter documentation used to be straightforward, generalization and combination of knowledge is a challenge. A new documentation method, the Matrix Flow Chart, MFC, turned out to be a promising solution for large scale documentation.