metals

Article
Laser Oscillating Welding of TC31 High-Temperature
Titanium Alloy
Zhimin Wang 1 , Lulu Sun 2 , Wenchao Ke 3 , Zhi Zeng 3 , Wei Yao 2 and Chunming Wang 4, *
1 School of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology,
Wuhan 430074, China; wangzhimin2020@yeah.net
2 Special Machining Department, Beijing Hangxing Machine Manufacture Co., Ltd., Beijing 100013, China;
sunll@live.cn (L.S.); yaowei239@sina.com (W.Y.)
3 School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China,
Chengdu 611731, China; ke@std.uestc.edu.cn (W.K.); zhizeng@uestc.edu.cn (Z.Z.)
4 School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology,
Wuhan 430074, China
* Correspondence: cmwang@hust.edu.cn; Tel./Fax: +86-027-875-438-94




Received: 15 July 2020; Accepted: 20 August 2020; Published: 3 September 2020


Abstract: The joining of high-temperature titanium alloy is attracting much attention in aerospace
applications. However, the defects are easily formed during laser welding of titanium alloys, which
weakens the joint mechanical properties. In this work, laser oscillating welding was applied to
join TC31 high-temperature titanium alloy. The weld appearance, microstructure and mechanical
properties of the laser welds were investigated. The results show that sound joints were formed
by using laser oscillating welding method, and a large amount of martensite was presented in the
welds. High mechanical properties were achieved, which was approaching to (or even equaled) the
strength of the base material. The joints exhibited a tensile strength of up to 1200 ± 10 MPa at room
temperature and 638 ± 6 MPa at 923 K. Laser oscillating welding is beneficial to the repression of
porosity for welding high-temperature titanium alloy.

Keywords: laser oscillating welding; high temperature titanium alloy; microstructure;

mechanical properties

1. Introduction
Titanium alloys exhibit high specific strength, excellent corrosion resistance and high thermal
strength, which have been widely used in aerospace field to reduce weight [1–4]. In recent years,
as the flight speed and distance of air vehicles increase significantly, traditional titanium alloys such
as TC4, TA15 cannot cover the operating requirements. High-temperature titanium alloys possess
excellent mechanical properties at high temperature, and the service temperature of these alloys is
increased to above 873 K [5–7]. Due to these excellent performances, high-temperature titanium
alloys have become advanced materials in aerospace applications, such as the components of aircraft
engines, wings and rudders [8]. TC31 alloy is a high-temperature double-phase titanium alloy of the
Ti-Al-Sn-Zr-Mo-Nb-W-Si system with high aluminum content, which can be used in a temperature
range of 923–973 K [9–11]. This alloy also has good durability and creep properties under high load and
high temperature [12]. Therefore, it has shown a prefect application in the aerospace field. To obtain
a sound joint with good mechanical performance is a key factor to achieve structural integrity, light
weight and low-cost manufacturing for its applications.
As an important part of laser manufacturing technology, laser welding is currently one of the
most notable and most promising welding technologies. Due to its advantages of high quality, low

Metals 2020, 10, 1185; doi:10.3390/met10091185 www.mdpi.com/journal/metals

Metals 2020, 10, 1185 2 of 13

deformation, high precision, high efficiency and high speed, laser welding technology has become a key
joining method for airplanes and automobiles—with improved safety and structural weight reduction,
clean and efficient shipbuilding—and nuclear power plant construction [13,14]. It is an effective way
to achieve the upgrading of traditional industrial structures and achieve energy saving and emission
reduction. Laser welding has been able to achieve the joining of many types of materials, and has
many unmatched advantages of fusion welding processes [15–17]. For example, laser welding is used
to weld aircraft skin and stringers [18,19]. Compared with riveted structure, the weight and cost of
airplane is reduced dramatically. However, due to high degree of alloying and low plasticity-reserve for
high-temperature titanium alloy, the possibility of cracking of the joint is higher than that of traditional
titanium alloy, and it is easy to generate weld defects during welding [20–22]. The fewer the weld
defects, the better the weld mechanical performances. In addition, the mechanical performances have
a relationship with the laser welding parameters, such as laser power and welding speed, as verified
by finite element method (FEM) and artificial neural network (ANN) simulation techniques [23–25].
Recently, laser oscillating welding has been promising in reducing the weld porosities and increasing
the weld ductility [26]. However, most of the studies about laser oscillating welding purely focused on
the mechanism of porosity suppression; there is a need for an exhaustive description of the relationship
between the weld mechanical performances and the process parameters.
The paper gives the comparison of the weld profiles, microstructures and mechanical properties
under different laser powers, welding speeds, laser beam weaving frequencies and amplitudes to
obtain the sound welding parameters. In the study, high-temperature titanium alloy TC31 was welded
by a laser oscillating welding method. The appearance, internal quality and microstructure of the weld
under different welding parameters were observed. The mechanical properties of the joints at room
temperature and high temperature were investigated. The mechanism for improved joint strength is
also discussed.

2. Experimental
The base metal is high-temperature titanium alloy TC31 in this study, and its composition and
mechanical properties are listed in Tables 1 and 2, respectively. TC31 alloy was machined into plates
with a dimension of 200 mm × 100 mm × 3 mm. The plates were polished with SiC sandpaper,
acid pickled in HF solution and ultrasonically cleaned with acetone and ethyl alcohol.

Table 1. The composition of high-temperature titanium alloy TC31 (wt%).

Element Ti Al Sn Zr Mo Nb W Si
Composition Balance 6.0–7.2 2.5–3.5 2.5–3.5 1.0–3.2 1.0–3.2 0.3–1.2 0.1–0.5

Table 2. Mechanical properties of alloy TC31 with the thickness of 3 mm at room temperature and high
temperature 923 K.

Temperature UTS/MPa YS/MPa Elongation/%

RM 1205 1091 15.2
650 ◦ C 648 - 17.3

Butt welding experiments were carried out on the base material using laser oscillating welding
method. The laser welding parameters for two welding methods are listed in Table 3. In laser
oscillating welding experiments, the laser beam oscillated in a figure-eight manner with the weaving
frequency of 200–400 Hz and the weaving amplitude of 0.1–0.5 mm. The laser power was in the
range of 1900–2100 W, and the welding speed is in the range of 1200–1800 mm/min. Since titanium
alloy is easily reacted with ambient gases, argon was used as shielding gas with the flow rate of
15 L/min during welding process. The laser focused on the workpiece surface with a diameter of
Metals 2020, 10, 1185 3 of 13

0.45 mm, defocus amount of 0 and a working distance of 247 mm. A D50 wobble seam oscillating head
(IPG Laser GmbH, Burbach, Germany) was utilized to adjust the oscillating frequency and amplitude.

Table 3. Laser oscillating welding parameters.

Weaving Frequency of Weaving Amplitude of Laser Power Welding Speed

Sample
Laser Beam (Hz) Laser Beam (mm) (W) (mm/min)
W1 200 0.1 1900 1200
W2 200 0.3 2000 1500
W3 200 0.5 2100 1800
W4 300 0.1 2000 1800
W5 300 0.3 2100 1200
W6 300 0.5 1900 1500
W7 400 0.1 2100 1500
W8 400 0.3 1900 1800
W9 400 0.5 2000 1200

After welding, the internal quality of the welds was examined by X-ray nondestructive testing
instrument (NDT, MU2000-D) (YXLON International GmbH, Hamburg, Germany) using a tube
voltage of 120 kV and a tube current of 3.4 mA. Due to the limitation of capability of equipment,
the nondestructive testing was conducted twice on different parts for each sample. The microstructure
of the weld was studied by a GX53 metallurgical microscope (Olympus Corporation, Tokyo, Japan)
after being etched with Kroll’s reagent: 2 mL HF, 6 mL HNO3 and 92 mL H2 O. X-ray diffraction
(XRD, D/MAX-2500) (Rigaku Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) using Cu-Kα radiation was employed to
examine the structure of the welds. For X-ray diffraction measurements, a diffractometer with the
X-ray tube operating at 40 kV and 200 mA target current was used. The microstructure of the joints
was also studied using an electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA, JXA-8100) (JEOL Ltd., Tokyo, Japan).
To determine the mechanical properties of the joints at room temperature and high temperature 923 K,
the weld plate samples were machined into joint samples with dimensions depicted in Figure 1 for
measurement (as GB/T 228.1-2010 standard and GB/T 228.2-2015 standard). The samples were cut
along the direction perpendicular to the weld. Tensile tests were performed, respectively, on three joint
samples by using a universal testing machine at a tensile speed of 0.5 mm/min. After the tensile test,
fracture surfaces of the weld joints were observed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM, JSM-7001F)
(JEOL Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) with an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS, Pegasus XM2 EDS) (EDAX Inc.,
Metals 2020, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 15
Mahwah, NJ, USA) system.

Figure 1. Dimensions of the specimens in tensile testing: (a) sample design for room temperature
testing; (b)Figure
sample design forofhigh
1. Dimensions temperature
the specimens testing.
in tensile testing: (a) sample design for room temperature
testing; (b) sample design for high temperature testing.

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Weld Appearance and Internal Quality

High-temperature titanium alloy TC31 plate samples were weld under different laser welding
conditions listed in Table 3. The front and back appearances of the butt weld joints are shown in
Metals 2020, 10, 1185 4 of 13

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Weld Appearance and Internal Quality

High-temperature titanium alloy TC31 plate samples were weld under different laser welding
conditions listed in Table 3. The front and back appearances of the butt weld joints are shown in
Figure 2. As shown in Figure 2, the welds are continuous in the surfaces without cracks, and uniform
fish-scale patterns are observed. The samples except samples W5 and W9 display the front appearance
as yellow or silvery white. With increasing the laser power up to 2100 W or decreasing welding speed
to 1200 mm/min, the front appearances of the welds present a color of green, purple or blue, which
indicates that the oxidation of the front appearances is further deepened [27]. By contrast, the back
appearance of all the welds is silvery-white in color, indicating an effective protection for the joints
through gas
Metals 2020, 10, shielding. Besides, as can be seen from Figure 2e,i, the back weld width of W5 and5 of
x FOR PEER REVIEW W9 15
samples are obviously larger than those of other samples, indicating the higher heat input.

Figure 2. The front and back appearances of the laser-welded TC31 joints: (a–i) represent W1 to
Figure
W9 2. The front and back appearances of the laser-welded TC31 joints: (a–i) represent W1 to W9
samples.
samples.
For further investigating the internal quality of the welds, the X-ray non-destructive testing was
conducted and the result is shown in Figure 3. Except that porosity defects are observed in W8, other
joints exhibit sound bonding without lack of fusion, slag or hot cracks.
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Figure 3. Images of the laser-welded TC31 joints in X-ray detection.

Figure 3. Images of the laser-welded TC31 joints in X-ray detection.

3.2. Microstructure Characterization
Figure
3.2. 4 shows Characterization
Microstructure the optical micrographs of the cross-sections of W1 to W9 laser welded joints.
The joints exhibit slight defect of undercut. The undercut with a maximum depth (≈0.165 mm) was
Figure 4 shows the optical micrographs of the cross-sections of W1 to W9 laser welded joints.
occurred in W9
The joints sample,
exhibit slightand the of
defect undercut imperfection
undercut. The undercut is with
0.055t (t is the thickness
a maximum of themm)
depth (≈0.165 alloy plate),
was
which is lower
occurred in W9than the limit
sample, of undercut
and the for quality C level (0.1t)
imperfection according
is 0.055t to ISO 5817
(t is the thickness of thestandard. Thus,
alloy plate),
the laser-welded TC31 joints reach the weld quality C level (medium quality requirements).
which is lower than the limit of for quality C level (0.1t) according to ISO 5817 standard. Thus, the In addition,
no misalignment
laser-welded TC31 defect was
joints observed
reach the weldin theseCjoints.
quality Three distinct
level (medium regions in the
quality requirements). In joints can be
addition,
observed, i.e., the fusion
no misalignment defectzone
was (FZ), the heat-affect
observed zoneThree
in these joints. (HAZ) and the
distinct base in
regions material (BM).
the joints canThe
be FZ
observed,
mainly i.e.,of
consists thecoarse
fusionprior
zone β(FZ), the heat-affect
columnar grains.zone
There(HAZ)
are aand
fewthe base material
equiaxed grains(BM). Thejunction
at the FZ
mainly
of the consists
FZ and of coarse
the HAZ. Theprior β columnar
columnar grains.
grains There
in the are a of
middle fewcross
equiaxed grains
section at the
grow junction of and
horizontally
the FZ and the HAZ. The columnar grains in the middle of cross section
towards the weld centerline, while the columnar grains closed to the weld front and back surfacesgrow horizontally andgrow
towards the weld centerline, while the columnar grains closed to the weld front and back surfaces
from the weld fusion line to the weld surface. Figure 5 shows the magnification view of the fusion
grow from the weld fusion line to the weld surface. Figure 5 shows the magnification view of the
zone and heat-affected zone of the W5 joint. It can be seen that there is a large amount of staggered
fusion zone and heat-affected zone of the W5 joint. It can be seen that there is a large amount of
needle-shaped α0 phases inside the columnar crystal, which is the typical structure of martensite [28].
staggered needle-shaped α′ phases inside the columnar crystal, which is the typical structure of
The phases
martensite in the FZ of the welded joints are examined by XRD. The examination is carried out
[28].
on W2. As shown in Figure 6, the XRD pattern consists of the peaks corresponding to α0 -Ti phase,
and no peak corresponding to β-Ti phase is observed. This result implies that the major phase in
the weld is α0 -Ti phase. For further analyzing the microstructure of the joints, EPMA analysis is also
conducted on the weld of W2. The backscattered electron image of the cross-section of the joint is
shown in Figure 7. It is seen that the laser welded joint is free from obvious defects, such as voids and
cracks. The BM consists of elongated α grain and intergranular β grain (Figure 7a). A large amount of
acicular Ti and columnar prior β grain boundaries can be observed in the FZ as shown in Figure 7b,c,
which implies that the prior β phase gradually transform into the secondary α phase [1,29].
Metals 2020, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 15

Metals 2020, 10, 1185 6 of 13

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Figure 4. Optical micrographs of cross sections of as the laser-welded TC31 joints: (a‒i) represent W1
Figure 4. Optical micrographs of cross sections of as the laser-welded TC31 joints: (a–i) represent W1
to W9 samples.
Figure 4. Optical micrographs of cross sections of as the laser-welded TC31 joints: (a‒i) represent W1
to W9 samples.
to W9 samples.

Figure
Metals 5. Magnification
2020,
Figure 10, view
viewof
x FOR PEER REVIEW
5. Magnification fusion
fusionzone
zone and heat-affectedzone
zone ofW5 W5 joint:
(a) (a) fusion
zonezone
and and
8 of 15
Figure 5. Magnification view ofoffusion zone and heat-affected
and heat-affected zoneofof W5 joint:
joint: fusion
(a) fusion zone and
heat-affected
heat-affectedzone; (b)
zone; high-magnification
(b) high-magnificationscanning electron
scanning microscope
electron image
microscope image of the
of rectangular
the region
rectangular
heat-affected zone; (b) high-magnification scanning electron microscope image of the rectangular
in (a); (c) high-magnification
region scanningscanning
in (a); (c) high-magnification electronelectron
microscope imageimage
microscope of (b).of (b).
region in (a); (c) high-magnification scanning electron microscope image of (b).

The phases in the FZ of the welded joints are examined by XRD. The examination is carried out
The phases in the FZ of the welded joints are examined by XRD. The examination is carried out
on W2. As shown in Figure 6, the XRD pattern consists of the peaks corresponding to α′-Ti phase,
on W2.
and noAspeak
shown in Figure 6,tothe
corresponding β-TiXRD
phasepattern consists
is observed. Thisofresult
the peaks
impliescorresponding to α′-Ti
that the major phase phase,
in the
andweld
no peak corresponding
is α′-Ti phase. For furtherto β-Tianalyzing
phase is observed. This result
the microstructure implies
of the joints,that
EPMAthe major
analysis phase
is alsoin the
weld is α′-Ti phase.
conducted on the weldFor further
of W2. Theanalyzing the microstructure
backscattered electron imageofofthe the joints, EPMAofanalysis
cross-section the jointisis also
conducted
shown inon the weld
Figure 7. It isof
seenW2. The
that thebackscattered electron
laser welded joint image
is free from of thedefects,
obvious cross-section
such as of theand
voids joint is
shown in Figure
cracks. The BM 7. consists
It is seen ofthat the laser
elongated welded
α grain andjoint is free from
intergranular obvious
β grain defects,
(Figure 7a). Asuch
largeas voids and
amount
of acicular
cracks. The BM Ti consists
and columnar prior β grain
of elongated boundaries
α grain can be observed
and intergranular in the
β grain FZ as7a).
(Figure shown in Figure
A large amount
7b,c, which
of acicular implies
Ti and that theprior
columnar prior ββ grain
phase boundaries
gradually transform into the secondary
can be observed in the FZα phase
as shown[1,29].in Figure
7b,c, which implies that the prior β phase gradually transform into the secondary α phase [1,29].

Figure 6. X-ray diffraction pattern of W2 weld.

Figure 6. X-ray diffraction pattern of W2 weld.
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13

Figure 7. Backscattered electron images of the cross-section of W2 joint: (a) Base material (BM);
Figure
(b) 7. Backscattered
Heat-affect electron
zone/Fusion images of transition
zone (HAZ/FZ) the cross-section
zone; (c)ofFusion
W2 joint:
zone(a)(FZ).
Base material (BM); (b)
Heat-affect zone/Fusion zone (HAZ/FZ) transition zone; (c) Fusion zone (FZ).
The formation mechanism of the joint is discussed as follows. The microstructural transformation
of theThe
weldsformation mechanism joints
for TC31 laser-welded of the joint is discussed
are influenced by the weldingas thermal
follows.cycleTheand microstructural
the ingredient
transformation
distribution of theof the welds for
bonding zoneTC31
[13].laser-welded
As illustratedjoints are influenced
in Figure by of
4, the size theprior
welding
grain thermal cycle
boundaries
and the ingredient
significantly distribution
increased. This mayofbethe
due bonding zone [13].
to the growth As illustrated
of grain is sensitive intoFigure 4, the size
overheating. of prior
During the
grain boundaries
laser welding significantly
process, the unmeltincreased.
BM closedThis to themay be due
bottom to the pool
of welding growthandof thegrain
top ofisheat-affecting
sensitive to
overheating.
zone is underDuring the laser
the condition of welding
ultra-high process, the unmelt
temperature BMor
reaching closed to thethe
exceeding bottom of welding
liquidus pool
temperature
and the top
of phase. Theofgrain
heat-affecting
nucleates atzone is under
the surface of the condition
partially molten of base
ultra-high
material, temperature
and then grow reaching or
quickly
exceeding
towards the the liquidus
center temperature
of the weld. Withofthe phase.
growthTheofgrain
columnarnucleates
grain,atthe
thetemperature
surface of partially
gradientmolten
of the
base
melt material,
graduallyand then and
flattens, grow quickly
the solute towards the center
concentration in meltof the weld. With
increases, the growth
resulting of columnar
in the constitutional
grain, the temperature
undercooling in the frontgradient of the melt gradually
of the solid-liquid flattens, and
interface increasing andthe solute
the concentration
equiaxed in melt
crystals forming
increases, resulting in the constitutional undercooling in the front of the solid-liquid interface
 increasing and the equiaxed crystals forming in the center of the weld. Due to the solidification
behavior of weld center occur during the final stage of solidification, the growth of the equiaxed
crystals is limited by the solidified columnar grains. Moreover, the columnar grains have an
insulating effect on the equiaxed grains, which results in the coarse grains in the weld center. Near
the surface of the weld, due to the change in heat dissipation conditions in the middle solidification
Metals 2020, 10, 1185
of the weld, the columnar crystal grows toward the surface of the weld, and there is a large8 of 13
angle
between the growth direction and the growth direction of the central columnar crystal. Laser welding
inisthe
a rapid
centerheating and cooling
of the weld. Due to process, rapid quenching
the solidification behaviorwill causecenter
of weld martensite
occur transformation
during the finalof
titanium
stage alloy [1]. During
of solidification, the cooling
the growth process,crystals
of the equiaxed the initial β columnar
is limited crystals of
by the solidified the weld
columnar metal
grains.
generate α′ phase via shear transformation. It is due to the rapid cooling rate
Moreover, the columnar grains have an insulating effect on the equiaxed grains, which results in thefrustrating the atomic
diffusion
coarse grainsof inthe
theβweld
phase. The Near
center. α′ martensite
the surface grows
of theand form
weld, dueone or several
to the change in primary needle-like
heat dissipation
martensite
conditions in parallel
the middleto each other, and
solidification then
of the formthe
weld, a columnar
series of relatively fine toward
crystal grows secondary needle-like
the surface of
the weld, and there is a large angle between the growth direction and the growth direction of the centralor
martensite. These secondary martensitic grains stop growing when encountering grain boundary
primary crystal.
columnar martensite,
Laserresulting
weldingin is athe formation
rapid heatingofand a typical
coolingstaggered needle-like
process, rapid structure
quenching in the
will cause
welding seam
martensite of the laserof
transformation oscillating
titaniumweldsalloy [29,30].
[1]. During the cooling process, the initial β columnar
crystals of the weld metal generate α0 phase via shear transformation. It is due to the rapid cooling
3.3.frustrating
rate Mechanicalthe
Properties
atomic diffusion of the β phase. The α0 martensite grows and form one or several
primary needle-like
The martensite
tensile strength parallel
of the welded to specimens
each other, at
and thentemperature
room form a seriesare
of listed
relatively fine secondary
in Figure 8, and the
needle-like
photographs of W1 and W2 joints after the tensile test are shown in the insets of Figuregrain
martensite. These secondary martensitic grains stop growing when encountering 8. It is
boundary
observedorthatprimary martensite,
the average resulting
tensile strength inof
theW2
formation
reaches of
1200a typical staggered
± 10 MPa, whichneedle-like
is equal to structure
the tensile
instrength
the welding seam
of TC31 of the
alloy. laser oscillating
Meanwhile, welds tensile
the average [29,30].strength of W1, W6, W7 and W9 samples also
exhibit high tensile strength, reaching 1183 ± 4 MPa, 1185 ± 31 MPa, 1184 ± 63 MPa and 1190 ± 1
3.3. Mechanical Properties
MPa, respectively. The fracture of two specimens of W1 joint occurred at the base material, while
theThe tensileofstrength
ruptures of the welded
W2 specimens specimens
occurred at room
in the HAZ . Astemperature
seen in Figure are listed
8, theinW8 Figure
sample8, and the
exhibits
photographs of W1 and W2 joints after the tensile test are shown in the insets of Figure
relatively low mechanical properties, which is caused by the porosity defects in the weld [31,32]. 8. It is observed
that theGiven
average
thattensile strength
the working of W2 reaches
temperature of TC31 ± 10 MPa,
1200 alloy which
can reach is equal
from 923 Ktotothe
973tensile
K, thestrength of
mechanical
TC31 alloy. Meanwhile,
properties of the jointsthe at average tensile strength
high temperature of W1,isW6,
conditions alsoW7 and W9 The
essential. samples alsostrength
tensile exhibit high
of the
tensile strength, reaching 1183 ± 4 MPa, 1185 ± 31 MPa, 1184 ± 63 MPa and 1190
welded specimens at 923 K are also tested and listed in Figure 9. As seen in Figure 9, the tensile± 1 MPa, respectively.
The fracture
strength of of
W2twojointspecimens
reaches 635 of W1 joint Moreover,
± 3 MPa. occurred atthethehighest
base material, while the
tensile strength forruptures of W2
TC31 specimens
specimens occurred inwelding
by laser oscillating the HAZ. atAs seencan
923K in Figure
reach up8, the W8 ±sample
to 638 6 MPaexhibits
for W1relatively
joint. The low mechanical
fractu re of W1
properties, which is caused by the porosity defects in the
joint specimens at 923 K occurred at the BM away from the weld seams. weld [31,32].

Figure 8. Tensile strength of welded TC31 specimens by wave laser oscillating welding method at
room temperature.
Figure 8. Tensile (The insets
strength of show theTC31
welded photographs of W1
specimens and W2
by wave joints
laser after thewelding
oscillating tensile test.).
method at
room temperature. (The insets show the photographs of W1 and W2 joints after the tensile test.).
Given that the working temperature of TC31 alloy can reach from 923 K to 973 K, the mechanical
properties of the joints at high temperature conditions is also essential. The tensile strength of the
welded specimens at 923 K are also tested and listed in Figure 9. As seen in Figure 9, the tensile
strength of W2 joint reaches 635 ± 3 MPa. Moreover, the highest tensile strength for TC31 specimens
by laser oscillating welding at 923K can reach up to 638 ± 6 MPa for W1 joint. The fracture of W1 joint
specimens at 923 K occurred at the BM away from the weld seams.
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Figure 9. Tensile strength of welded TC31 specimens by laser oscillating welding method at 923 K.
Figure
(The inset9.show
Tensile
thestrength of welded
photograph TC31
of the W1 specimens
joint after the by laser oscillatingtensile
high-temperature welding method at 923 K.
test.).
(The inset show the photograph of the W1 joint after the high-temperature tensile test.).
In order to investigate the mechanism for the high strength of the joints by laser oscillating welding,
the fracture surfaces
In order of the welded
to investigate joints werefor
the mechanism examined
the high bystrength
SEM. Figure of the10joints
presents the magnified
by laser oscillating
view of thethe
welding, fracture
fracture surface of W2
surfaces after
of the the tensile
welded joints test
wereperformed
examinedat byroom
SEM.temperature.
Figure 10 presentsA large the
number of dimples densely distribute on the fracture zone, which is a typical
magnified view of the fracture surface of W2 after the tensile test performed at room temperature. Afeature of ductile failure.
The formation
large numberof ofthe dimples
dimples implies
densely plastic deformation
distribute on the fracture in the
zone,micro
whichregions, whichfeature
is a typical is suggested to
of ductile
befailure.
favorable for improving mechanical properties of the joint. Figure 11 presents
The formation of the dimples implies plastic deformation in the micro regions, which is the magnified view
ofsuggested
the fracture tosurface of W1 joint
be favorable after the tensile
for improving test performed
mechanical properties at 923 K. Itjoint.
of the can be seen from
Figure Figure 11
11 presents the
that the areaview
magnified whereof the
the fracture
fracture is close to
surface of the
W1 surface of the weld
joint after tensile(Figure 11b) and at
test performed the923middle
K. It canpartbe
ofseen
the welded joint11
from Figure (Figure 11c,d)
that the areashow
wheredistinct features.
the fracture Region
is close to thei fracture
surfacemorphology shows the
of the weld (Figure 11b)
characteristics
and the middle of tough
part of dimple fractures.
the welded jointThe fracture
(Figure surface
11c,d) show is distinct
rock sugar-like.
features.There
Region arei afracture
large
number of small
morphology dimples
shows the on the grain boundaries
characteristics of the fracture
of tough dimple fractures.surface and show
The fracture slip characteristics.
surface is rock sugar-
This
like.results
There from
are a nucleus,
large numbergrowth, and connection.
of small dimples on the Meanwhile, there areofalso
grain boundaries the afracture
small number
surface andof
dimples
show slipconcentrated in some
characteristics. areas
This (redfrom
results dotted area in growth,
nucleus, Figure 11b).and As can be seen
connection. from Figure
Meanwhile, 11c,d,
there are
there are a large number of dimple structures in Region ii in the middle part
also a small number of dimples concentrated in some areas (red dotted area in Figure 11b). As can be of the welded joint.
The
seenabove
fromresults
Figureindicate that the
11c,d, there arejoint undergoes
a large numberductile fracture
of dimple underin
structures high temperature
Region ii in the conditions.
middle part
Thewelded
of the TC31 joint fabricated
joint. The above by the laserindicate
results oscillating
thatwelding
the jointmethod
undergoes exhibits high fracture
ductile tensile mechanical
under high
properties at room
temperature conditions.temperature, which is exceeding or approaching the mechanical properties of the
base alloy. On the one hand, as can be seen from Figures 4 and 7, no defects, such as cracks, inclusions,
or unwelded joints, are generated except W8 sample. Laser welding is a rapid melting and solidification
process, and it is difficult for the pores formed in the molten pool to escape, which becomes the stress
concentration point of the joint. Compared with pulsed laser welding method [12], the content of
pores in the weld seam obtained by wave laser oscillating welding is significantly reduced, and the
depth-to-width ratio of the weld seam is relatively small. This is due to the adoption of wave laser
oscillating welding method, the reciprocating swing of the laser beam on the weld seam causes part
of the weld to remelt repeatedly, prolonging the residence time of the molten metal in the weld pool.
The deflection of the laser beam also increases the heat input per unit area, reduce the depth-to-width
ratio of the weld, which is favorable for the escape of bubbles. Besides, the oscillation of the laser
beam causes the air holes to oscillate, which can also provide the stirring force for the welding molten
pool, increase the convection and stirring of the molten pool and then eliminate the air holes. This is a
favorable factor for improving the mechanical properties of the joint [33–35].
Metals 2020, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 12 of 15

Metals 2020, 10, x FOR PEER REVIEW 12 of 15

Metals 2020, 10, 1185 10 of 13

Figure 10. Fracture surface of W2 welded joint after tensile test performed at room temperature, (b)
Figure 10. Fracture surface of W2 welded joint after tensile test performed at room temperature, (b) is
is the magnified view of (a).
the magnified
Figure view surface
10. Fracture of (a). of W2 welded joint after tensile test performed at room temperature, (b)
is the magnified view of (a).

Figure 11. Fracture surface of W1 welded joint after tensile test performed at 923 K: (a) macroscopic
Figure 11. Fracture surface of W1 welded joint after tensile test performed at 923 K: (a) macroscopic
appearance of fracture; (b) high magnification magnification of Region i; (c) high magnification
appearance of fracture; (b) high magnification magnification of Region i; (c) high magnification
magnification
Figure of Region
11. Fracture ii; (d)
surface highwelded
of W1 magnification magnification
joint after of Region iii.
tensile test performed at 923 K: (a) macroscopic
magnification of Region ii; (d) high magnification magnification of Region iii.
appearance of fracture; (b) high magnification magnification of Region i; (c) high magnification
On the other hand, the TC31 high temperature titanium alloy forms a martensite structure in the
magnification of Region ii; (d) high magnification
0 magnification of Region iii.
weld after laser welding. Martensite α is a supersaturated solid solution of alloying elements inα phase.
During the cooling of the weld from the β-phase region to room temperature at a rapid cooling rate,
Metals 2020, 10, 1185 11 of 13

the atoms have no time to diffuse, and only a small needle-shaped and unevenly distributed martensite
structure can be precipitated by shearing. α0 grows inside the initial β columnar crystals, forming
one or several parallel primary α0 firstly, and extending through the entire grain over a long distance,
stopping at the grain boundary. Then a series of relatively fine secondary needles α0 are formed, which
stops at the grain boundaries or primary martensite, resulting in the formation of a typical basket
structure in the weld. This structure has good comprehensive properties, such as plasticity, creep
resistance and high-temperature endurance strength [1].

4. Conclusions
In this study, high-temperature titanium alloy TC31 was joined by the laser oscillating welding
method and good mechanical properties were achieved. The appearance, microstructure and
mechanical properties of the welded joints were investigated. High-temperature titanium alloy
TC31 formed sound joints by the laser oscillating welding method under the optimized process
parameters with the weaving frequency of 200 Hz, weaving amplitude of 0.3 mm, laser power of
2000 W and welding speed of 1500 mm/min. The joints exhibit sound bonding without lack of fusion,
slag or hot cracks. The welded region was composed of acicular α’ phase resulting from the high degree
of supercooling during the laser welding process. The welded joints exhibit the highest tensile strength
of 1200 ± 10 MPa at room temperature, which is approaching that of the base metal. The tensile strength
of the joints at the high temperature of 923 K reaches 638 ± 6 MPa. The welded joints exhibit ductile
fracture with dimples at both room temperature and high temperature. Considering the mechanical
properties of TC31 laser-weld joints at different temperatures and the potential usage environment
of this high-temperature titanium alloy, W1 joint with 200 Hz weaving frequency, 0.1 mm weaving
amplitude, 1900 W laser power and 1200 mm/min welding speed, exhibit outstanding mechanical
properties in this study. Furthermore, laser oscillating welding is beneficial to the repression of porosity
for welding high temperature titanium alloy.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, data curation, investigation and resources, Z.W.; writing—original draft
preparation, L.S.; methodology, W.K.; validation, Z.Z.; supervision, W.Y.; funding acquisition, writing—review
and editing, C.W. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research was funded by the National Key R&D Program of China, grant number 2017YFB1301603.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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