Analysis of vapor plume and keyhole dynamics in laser welding stainless steel with beam oscillation

Abstract The influence of laser welding with beam oscillation on dynamic behaviour of vapor plume, melt pool and keyhole was investigated. The stability of plume morphology is improved with a little fluctuation, and the height and area of plasma plume are decreased as the oscillation frequencies increased. The melt pool morphologies and flowing feature under beam oscillation conditions are also regulated due to the resultant energy deposition, which has an influence on weld solidification process. The re-melting effect of circular beam oscillation can eliminate pores formation and improve weld quality.