Acceleron

Weld Formation

Weld Formation

The high energy density of the focused beam vaporizes some of the material on which it impinges. A keyhole forms. As the beam traverses over the base metal, the material melts at the leading edge of the keyhole, flows around the keyhole, and solidifies at the trailing edge. The formation of the keyhole provides high power density EBW with the unique capability to produce deep, narrow welds and narrow heat-affected zones resulting in minimized distortion of weldments. This type of energy transfer is referred to as keyhole mode welding.