Numerical Study of Laser Welding of 270 μm Thick Silicon–Steel Sheets for Electrical Motors

Abstract

In this study, the shape of laser welding parts required to develop a welding automation system was analyzed to improve the production process of thin-plate silicon–steel. During laser welding, a welding defect occurs in the welding area, resulting in beads. This can be measured and analyzed through computational fluid dynamics. When welding thin plates with a laser, precise parameter settings are required to reduce bead height and side effects to improve weld quality. Twelve simulation cases with different laser powers and scan speeds were carried out to compare bead heights. We discussed ways to improve the productivity of electrical steel sheets by applying data collected through simulations of a laser welding automation system.