Patent ID: 6727459
Filing Date: 2004-04-27
Classification: B23K,B23P,F01D

Abstract:
A method of depositing metal onto a thin-edge metallic substrate, comprising:(1) directing a high intensity light beam onto the substrate, thereby melting a portion of the edge and forming a weld pool; (2) while directing the light beam onto the weld pool, introducing a filler wire into the weld pool, wherein exposure to the light beam and residual heat in the weld pool causes the filler wire to melt into the weld pool, the light beam providing sufficient energy to fuse the molten filler wire to the substrate; (3) feeding the filler wire into the weld pool while effecting relative motion between the filler wire and the light source relative to the substrate such that a continuous weld bead is formed from the weld pool; and (4) during steps (1)-(3), exposing the weld pool and filler wire disposed therein to a shielding gas so as to protect the weld pool and filler wire from oxidation.