Effects of beam oscillation on porosity and microstructure of laser welded TC11 titanium alloy

Oscillating beam was used for laser welding of TC11 titanium alloys. The porosity, microstructure, and mechanical properties of welds with different parameters were studied. It was found that increasing the oscillation frequency could effectively suppress porosity. When the oscillation amplitude was less than or equal to 1 mm, the laser power was about 3 kW, and the welding speed was less than 15 mm/s, porosity could be effectively suppressed. Both oscillation frequency and amplitude could increase the number of α′-phase. The oscillation frequency promoted the cross distribution of α′-phase and α″-phase in the columnar crystal. The oscillation amplitude promotes the uniform distribution of α′-phase in the columnar crystal. Increasing the oscillation frequency and the oscillation amplitude was beneficial to increase the tensile strength. In the case of low defect rates, the tensile strength of the weld could reach more than 90% of the base metal, and the maximum elongation was 7.5%.