This two-part flange assembly consists of a 316 stainless steel section and an Inconel steel section. The two sections were hermetically-welded together using 240 watts of power, delivered through a 2.5" focal length positive meniscus lens. Argon was used as a shield gas to protect the weld area from contamination as the part was rotated through the beam path (0.004" diameter spot size) at 28 inches per minute (IPM). Rotational speed and laser heat input into the flange produced a weld bead approximately 0.065" wide. Although bolts supply the mechanical strength of the completed flange, the weld withstood both a 2,000 PSI water burst test and an 800 PSI Helium leak test after assembly.

These stainless and Inconel steel flanges,
with an inside diameter of 2.25", were hermetically-welded using an Evolution 240W CO2 laser.