Effects of different active fluxes on the molten pool behaviors of laser-welded thick stainless steel plates

Dynamic behaviors of molten pools during active laser welding of thick 304 stainless steel plates are monitored in real time by utilizing a high-speed camera system. The effects of various active fluxes on the dynamic variations of molten pools are analyzed, and the results are compared with the uncoated specimens. The research reveals that all the molten pools present periodic variations. Among them, the specimen coated with NaF active flux exhibits the shortest cycle of molten pool change, with a single cycle duration of approximately 0.5 s. The specimen coated with TiO2 active flux exhibits the longest cycle of molten pool change, and the single cycle duration is around 1.1 s. Moreover, the molten pools also show varying widths. The maximum molten pool width is found with the specimen coated with CeO2 active flux, whose value is 3.277 mm. Meanwhile, the minimum molten pool width is found with the specimen coated with NaF active flux, whose value is 1.799 mm. In addition, the coating of active fluxes also produces certain effects on molten pool stability. The specimen coated with NaF active flux presents intense emission of metal vapor during welding, drastic oscillation of the molten pool, and severe spattering of metal particles. Contrastively, the molten pool of the specimen coated with Cr2O3 active flux is rather stable. In conclusion, by selecting an appropriate active flux, the cycle of molten pool variation can be prolonged, the pool stability can be enhanced, and the occurrence of spattering and other defects can be suppressed.