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Abstract Laser keyhole welding of dissimilar metals has been widely used in industrial applications. One critical challenge for this process is the formation of intermetallic compounds (IMCs) that undermine the electrical and mechanical properties of the joints. Compared with the commonly used linear contours, welding with spiral contours can provide larger areas of joining and hence higher allowable loading. This can be particularly useful for certain applications. In this research, laser welding experiments with different spiral contours were performed, and the chemical composition, microstructure, and mechanical properties of the joints were characterized. Three spiral distances were used in the experiments. As the spiral distance was changed from 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm, the average Cu concentration in the upper region of the joints was decreased, lower amounts of IMCs were found in the joints, and the joints were capable of sustaining higher mechanical loading. 

Additive manufacturing (AM) comprises a group of transformative technologies that are likely to revolutionize manufacturing. In particular, laser-based metal AM techniques can not only fabricate parts with extreme complexity, but also provide innovative means for designing and processing new metallic systems. However, there are still several technical barriers that constrain metal AM. Overcoming these barriers requires a better understanding of the physics underlying the complex and dynamic laser–metal interaction at the heart of many AM processes. This article briefly describes the state of the art of in situ / operando synchrotron x-ray imaging and diffraction for studying metal AM, mostly the laser powder-bed fusion process. It highlights the immediate impact of operando synchrotron studies on the advancement of AM technologies, and presents future research challenges and opportunities.