Patent ID: 7022940

Claim:
A method of assembling a combustor liner, comprising: providing a plurality of annular bands disposed about a central axis, each of said bands having a forward and an aft end; positioning first and second ones of said annular bands in an overlapping relationship relative to each other, so as to define a circumferentially extending joint area; directing a laser beam at said joint area at a first axial position and concurrently rotating said first and second annular bands about said central axis so as to expose the entire circumference of said joint area to said laser beam, whereby a first weld bead is formed; and directing said laser beam at said joint area at a second axial position while rotating said first and second annular bands about said central axis so as to expose the entire circumference of said first joint area to said laser beam, whereby a second weld bead is formed, said second bead at least partially overlapping said first weld bead.