The effect of laser pressure welding parameters on GTD-111 superalloy microstructure

•Laser pressure welding increases the absorption of laser energy in the welding pool.•Laser pressure welding has a significant effect on removing cracks and porosity.•Applying pressure along with the laser beam increases the tendency to recrystallize.•Rolling pressure causes equiaxed grains to form instead of columnar.•Laser pressure welding increases the melting rate of the weld metal.