The energy transfer efficiency of energy beam welding processes has been studied. The results can be quite useful in understanding the mechanisms of the process as well as in predicting the outcome of a particular parameter set. The analysis utilizes the physical constants of the material to be studied, the weld section area, and other pertinent parameters. The object of previous studies tended to focus primarily on weld penetration. In many practical applications of energy beam welding, however, weld width is vitally important.
The weld results of a high power continuous wave Nd:YAG laser were examined over a range of power and power density for the ability to develop weld width. Because laser welding is a very dynamic process with respect to temperature, an average value for the physical constants was used. The cross sectional area was determined by quantitative image and feature analysis software to obtain the highest possible accuracy. Various strategies, both optical and mechanical, are discussed with respect to their efficiency in the development of weld width.