Abstract
A new laser welding system far the appendage of bearing pads of PHWR nuclear fuel elements has been developed. This system consists of laser oscillator, a optical fiber transmission, a monitoring device and a welding controller. The basic welding experiments of the appendage of Zircaloy-4 bearing pads were carried out. The laser welded samples were investigated and made by using the optical fiber of GI $400\mu\textrm{m}$. As a result, the seam welding with the bead width of 1.0mm and the weld penetration of 0.3mm could be accomplished.
