High Speed Joining of Aluminum Metal Matrix Composites Using Continuous Wave and Pulsed Lasers

Abstract

AbstractDue to their superior mechanical properties and high strength to weight ratio, metal matrix composite materials are increasingly being used in aerospace, automotive and defense industries. The use of a fusion related conventional joining technique, such as arc welding, leads to the formation of undesirable non-equilibrium phases in the weld zone, where as diffusion and adhesive joining techniques are rather slow. Non contact multi-kilowatt laser joining, though fully developed for high speed autogenous joining of different alloys, is not yet adequate for joining of metal matrix composites. Efforts have been made by several researchers to control the composition and microstructure of laser joined aluminum metal matrix composites by controlling the energy input and by the use of filler wires. In view of the current industry trend to use more light weight structural composite materials, and greater use of high energy density beams for a variety of metalworking applications, the authors have reviewed the current status of high speed laser joining of metal matrix composites. Emphasis is placed on problems and various techniques which can be used to achieve a better control on composition and microstructure during high energy laser joining of aluminum metal matrix composites.