Patent ID: 7154064
Filing Date: 2006-12-26
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
1. A method of laser welding aluminum or magnesium members, said method comprising: positioning said members together in contact between facing surfaces thereof to expose a first outer surface of at least one of said members to laser irradiation; directing a welding laser beam at said members so as to form a molten weld pool to fuse said members together; moving said welding laser beam relative to said members; positioning a heat source supplemental to the welding laser beam at a second outer surface of at least one of said members that is substantially opposite of said first outer surface; and heating a zone of said members with the heating source supplemental to the welding laser beam so as to slow the rate of solidification of said molten weld pool, thereby enabling formation of a substantially porosity-free weld bead joining said members.