CO{sub 2} laser beam welding of magnesium-based alloys
- Technische Univ. Clausthal, Clausthal-Zellerfeld (Germany). Inst. fuer Werkstoffkunde und Werkstofftechnik
Magnesium has gained increased attention in recent years as a structural metal--especially in the automotive industry--necessitating the development of welding techniques qualified for this new application. Lasers are known to be an excellent tool for joining metals. This paper presents results of recent investigations on the weldability of several cast and wrought magnesium-based alloys. Plates with a thickness of 2.5--8 mm were butt joint welded with and without filler metal using a 2.5-kW CO{sub 2} laser. The investigations showed that magnesium alloys can be easily laser welded in similar and dissimilar joints. The beam characteristics of the laser leads to small welds and a deep penetration depth. Crackfree welds exhibiting low porosity and good surface finish can be achieved with appropriate process parameters. Generally, the laser welding leads to either no change or a small increase in hardness in the fusion zone (FZ) and in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) relative to the base metal. Less promising results were obtained for the cast alloy QE22, in which cracking in the age-hardened condition and a significant decrease in hardness occurred. Laser welded die cast alloys showed an extremely high level of porosity in the weld.
- OSTI ID:
- 616422
- Journal Information:
- Welding Journal, Vol. 77, Issue 4; Other Information: PBD: Apr 1998
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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