HAZ – The most feared “Danger Zone” in welding technology

The knowledge gained from classic arc welding processes regarding the factors influencing the mechanical-technological properties in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) – particularly with regard to coarse grain formation – cannot be transferred to pulsed laser beam welding technology. This article explains that on the basis of test welds, their investigations, compari-sons and practical applications. The central factors that significantly influence the result are the energy sources used to weld the samples: on the one hand, continuously applied electricity and, on the other hand, pulsed light.