Comparing Laser Welding Technologies with Friction Stir Welding for Production of Aluminum Tailor-Welded Blanks

Journal Article · Wed Jan 15 00:00:00 EST 2014 · SAE International Journal of Materials and Manufacturing, 7(3):537-544

DOI:https://doi.org/10.4271/2014-01-0791· OSTI ID:1178867

Hovanski, Yuri; Carsley, John; Carlson, Blair; Hartfield-Wunsch, Susan; Pilli, Siva Prasad

A comparison of welding techniques was performed to determine the most effective method for producing aluminum tailor-welded blanks for high volume automotive applications. Aluminum sheet was joined with an emphasis on post weld formability, surface quality and weld speed. Comparative results from several laser based welding techniques along with friction stir welding are presented. The results of this study demonstrate a quantitative comparison of weld methodologies in preparing tailor-welded aluminum stampings for high volume production in the automotive industry. Evaluation of nearly a dozen welding variations ultimately led to down selecting a single process based on post-weld quality and performance.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 1178867
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA-99230; VT0505000
• Journal Information: SAE International Journal of Materials and Manufacturing, 7(3):537-544, Journal Name: SAE International Journal of Materials and Manufacturing, 7(3):537-544
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

friction stir welding
FSW
welded blank
aluminum