Welding of copper silicon and zirconium II using the 1200 watt CO2 continuous laser

An investigation using a CO2 continuous wave laser was conducted by Fuels Engineering. The investigation was conducted in search of an improved and updated welding technique for coextrusion billet encapsulation components. The failure of TIG welds on billet encapsulation components is a major contributor to extrusion unbond experience and corresponding uranium utilization costs. In addition, present TIG equipment is technically obsolescent; weld quality is highly dependent on operator manual control skills; and required maintenance and spare parts availability are becoming major operability considerations. The results are presented of the investigation. Acquisition of a laser system for billet encapsulation component welding is recommended. The system would initially be placed in a development laboratory for debugging, verification of safety considerations and training purposes