Spatter formation and keyhole observation with high speed cameras - Better understanding of the keyhole formation

Pores and spatters are a severe issue in high-brightness laser keyhole welding. An improved understanding of the process is necessary to develop means to prevent these effects.A key to understand the spatter behavior and the keyhole formation is to observe the welding process with high speed cameras around the workpiece. Different views of the process, from above (in different angle), from below and also from the side through a glass in to the keyhole, were combined. Results of such experiments are presented in the present talk.