Laser Welding of Precision Engineering Components

Laser beam welding (LBW) with its high power density produces narrow and deep welds with a small heat-affected zone. Nd-YAG laser has been used extensively in the fabrication of small precision components at Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR). Some important laser welding works carried out are related to Eddy Current based Position Sensor (ECPS) and Sodium Leak Detector (SLD) in Diverse Safety Rod Drive Mechanism (DSRDM) of Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR), and components for Ir-192 High Dose Rate (HDR) source for Board o f Radiation and Isotope Technology (BRIT). ECPS is being designed to incorporate in the DSRDM to provide a measurement on signal which indicates that all the safety rods are dropped in case of a reactor scram signal. Mineral insulated (MI) cable of 1 mm diameter used as the eddy current coil in the ECPS has been terminated with suitable end configuration using laser welding. SLD is housed inside the electromagnet assembly of DSRDM to indicate if there is any leakage of sodium into the electromagnet. The fabrication of SLD requires precision laser welding of a few of its components. For the indigenous development of Ir-192 source assembly for use in HDR Branchy therapy, the feasibility study has been carried out for the fabrication of the miniature source holder by laser welding process. This paper discusses the techniques followed in the successful fabrication of above mentioned variety of intricate components used in critical applications.