Keyhole threshold and morphology in laser melting revealed by ultrahigh-speed x-ray imaging

The key to keyhole formation The formation of keyholes, or vapor-filled depressions, during laser welding presents a large problem for additive manufacturing. Cunningham et al. used high-speed x-ray imaging to take a detailed look at keyhole formation in a titanium alloy. They found a simplified relationship between operational parameters and keyhole shape, which may allow for the prevention of pore formation going forward. Science , this issue p. 849