The melt bath movements induced during deep penetration laser welding can be controlled by external effects that can lead to more uniform flow. By directing an inert gas jet towards the keyhole aperture under a given angle and height of the gas delivering nozzle, a laminar flow is observed, allowing the reduction of porosity formation, and the obtaining of smoother and narrower weld seams. In this paper, the effect of a supplied inert gas jet on the liquid movements during deep penetration laser welding is investigated in 3D modelling.

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