High power Nd: YAG laser welding of aluminium alloys

Abstract

Aluminium alloys are used in a wide range of industrial applications because of their low density and good structural properties. Laser welding has been identified as a key technology, which can offer distinct advantages over conventional joining techniques such as TIG, MIG, resistance spot welding, mechanical fasteners and adhesive bonding.The main problems associated with laser welding of aluminium alloys in general are the high surface reflectivity, high thermal conductivity and the volatility of the low boiling point constituents of the alloys. These and other material related problems have led to difficulties with weld and heat affected zone cracking, degradation in the mechanical properties and inconsistent welding performance.The solution to the above problems may be in using the laser beam in a either a new configuration or in a hybrid system There are number of techniques available i.e. wire or powder feed, twin spot or super pulsed modulation. The objective of the work described here was to develop and demonstrate wire feed techniques for high power Nd: YAG laser welding of 6000 series aluminium alloy. Metallographically analysis and mechanical testing were conducted to assess the weld quality.Aluminium alloys are used in a wide range of industrial applications because of their low density and good structural properties. Laser welding has been identified as a key technology, which can offer distinct advantages over conventional joining techniques such as TIG, MIG, resistance spot welding, mechanical fasteners and adhesive bonding.The main problems associated with laser welding of aluminium alloys in general are the high surface reflectivity, high thermal conductivity and the volatility of the low boiling point constituents of the alloys. These and other material related problems have led to difficulties with weld and heat affected zone cracking, degradation in the mechanical properties and inconsistent welding performance.The solution to the above problems may be in using the laser beam in a either a new configuration or in a hybrid system There are number of techniques available i.e. wire or powder feed, twin spot or super pulsed modulation. The objective of the work described here was to deve...