With synchrotron radiation, welding processes can be observed in greater detail than ever before, live and in real time. Researchers from Fraunhofer ILT and the RWTH Aachen Chair of Laser Technology are working at DESY to make vapor capillaries, melt movements and defects visible.
The research results show that it is possible to significantly reduce stress cracks, minimize porosity and increase electrical conductivity by specifically adjusting the laser settings. With its outstanding brilliance and intensity, synchrotron radiation enables investigations with a resolution in the micro and even nanometer range.
In the automotive sector, aviation, hydrogen technology or microelectronics, for example, the flawless welding of copper or aluminum joints is essential, and this also applies to metal and plastic joints. Real-time visualization makes it possible to identify even the smallest material defects that would not be visible using conventional methods.
