Direct laser welding of pure titanium to austenitic stainless steel

Direct butt joining of pure titanium to 316L stainless steel with continuous Yb:YAG laser was performed with variation of the beam offset from joint line. Mechanical properties of samples were evaluated by tensile tests and three-point flexural tests. The fractured surfaces and cross sections of welds were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Tensile properties of welds were strongly determined by the beam offset from joint line and are well described by Weibull statistics. Ultimate tensile strength of 174 ± 69 MPa and ultimate flexural strength of 297 ± 48 MPa were obtained. Brittle fracture took place in the diffusive interface rich in λ1 and FeTi phases.