Feasibility of producing ferritic/austenitic dissimilar metal joints by high energy density laser beam process

High energy density beam (HEDB) welding processes, i.e. laser beam welding (LBW) and electron beam welding (EBW) have been developed rapidly and have been successfully used in many industrial applications; the potential of the HEDB process is continuously being exploited in further industrial sectors. In this paper feasibility of producing the so-called 'black/white joints' (ferritic/austenitic dissimilar steel joints) by LBW is discussed. Although further investigation in certain aspects is still required, particularly with respect to elevated temperature properties, and long-term service data, the results obtained so far demonstrate the potential of the technique in the future industrial applications.