Laser assisted post-weld cleaning of austenitic stainless steels : especially about pitting corrosion

Abstract

In this work, the cleaning of welds by laser and its effects on the corrosion resistance of austenitic stainless steel were analysed. The oxide layer was removed from the welded samples with different settings of the laser. By means of six different experiments, a concise statement could be made as to the influence of the different settings.

The following methods were used for the experiments: "Salt spray", "ASTM G61-86", "EDS-analysis", "Standardized effects", "Light microscope" and "ASTM G48-11". After three test runs, it was possible to determine which laser parameters have the most influence on corrosion resistance. In particular, how the laser cleaning changed the material surface and its elements.

The best results were compared with two other papers, where the weld was cleaned conventionally. Conventional means that the samples were cleaned chemically or electrochemically. It is clear that the oxidation layer with laser ablation is a very good and environmentally friendly alternative.