Stainless Steel Laser Welds: Reliable Evaluation Starts with Proper Preparation
A magnetic core (Magnetic Core) is a magnetic component made of ferromagnetic materials (such as iron, silicon steel, ferrite, etc.). Its main function is to Laser welding provides low heat input, minimal distortion, and precise weld geometry for stainless steel components. However, weld appearance alone cannot reveal the complete condition beneath the surface.
Metallographic cross-section analysis enables detailed evaluation of the weld zone, heat-affected zone, grain morphology, and potential defects such as porosity and microcracks.
For this stainless steel laser-welded sample, the preparation process included:
- P400 SiC abrasive paper for planar grinding
- P800 → P2000 → P2500 SiC abrasive paper for progressive fine grinding
- YS-JP white fiber polishing cloth + 3 μm PD-WT polycrystalline diamond suspension for initial polishing
- ET polishing cloth + 0.05 μm AO-WT polishing suspension for final polishing
A controlled preparation process helps preserve the true weld structure and provides a clear cross-section for reliable microscopic evaluation.
From process optimization to quality control and failure analysis, metallography provides the microstructural evidence needed to understand what is happening beneath the weld surface.
