This paper addresses an evaluation of the influence of operational parameters used in the AISI 316 stainless steels laser welding process. The results of the welding experiments performed with parameters adjusted to a variety of situations were evaluated taking into account the power density available and the interaction time of the laser beam with the base metal. These evaluations were based on the results of microhardness and the electrolytic corrosion tests of the solders, assisted by the macrography of the weld bead. It was sought to emphasize correlations between selected operating parameters and the results obtained with weld beads, measuring their width and depth. It was concluded that the proper choice of operating parameters is fundamental to the guarantee of quality of the weld beads. Besides that, a quick method of evaluation of weld beads susceptibility was validated.
laser welding; AISI 316 stainless steel; fiber laser; electrolytic corrosion
