Abstract:
A method of welding galvanized steel with a high energy density beam is disclosed. The high energy density can be created by an electron or laser beam with a power density of at least 4 X 106 watts per square inch. A flux material, such as iron oxide, is disposed adjacent the welding zone, preferably by painting thereon, which is effective to from a compound with the zinc of the galvanized steel upon heating. The compound has a vapor pressure substantially the same or lower than the vapor pressure of the steel substrate so that disruption of the weld puddle is prevented to insure that all of the weld puddle will be available to properly close the weld void.
Abstract:
A recording technique using a laser beam for image recording on a film. In the preferred embodiment, the film comprises a transparent substrate coated with heat absorbing particles, dispersed in a self-oxidizing binder. Contrary to the present practice of directing the laser beam on the coating itself, the laser beam is directed through the substrate with its energy focused on the boundary interface between the substrate and coating. This causes the coating to be removed, as by blow-off or explosion, leaving a clear area on the substrate forming a positive image of the recorded material. If a negative is desired, the removed material can be collected on a backing, such as Scotch Brand tape, preferably in contact with the coating to thus provide both a positive and a negative of the written information from one and the same operation. In both instances the laser beam can be scanned or incrementally positioned and a modulating device can gait the laser beam to record machine or human readable characters.