Interactive laser welding at elevated temperatures of superalloy articles

A process for laser welding a nickel and/or cobalt based superalloy article chosen from the group consisting of a gama-prime precipitation strengthened superalloy containing titanium and aluminum in a combined amount of at least 5% and an MCrAlY alloy wherein M is nickel and/or cobalt comprising:

• preheating an entire weld area and region adjacent to the weld area of the article to a ductile temperature which is above an aging temperature and below an incipient melting temperature for said superalloy and within the range of 1400.degree. F. to 2100.degree. F. with an induction heat coil and maintaining such temperature during welding and solidification of a weld;
• and welding the preheated article utilizing a laser with a powder alloy feed, with a control means preprogrammed with values for control of the laser, the powder feed and a general path for a motion system on which the article is fixtured, said values based on the configuration and composition of the article wherein the control means further includes a vision system which digitizes the weld area of the article providing a precise path for the laser welding to follow individualized for the weld area of the specific article being welded.