Research Progress on Characterization and Regulation of Forming Quality in Laser Joining of Metal and Polymer, and Development Trends of Lightweight Automotive Applications

Abstract

Metal–polymer hybrid structures have been widely used in research into their lightweight automotive applications, because of their excellent comprehensive properties. As an efficient technology for automatic connection of dissimilar materials, laser joining has great application potential and development value in the field of lightweight automotive design. However, due to the physical and chemical differences between metals and polymers, the formation quality of the hybrid joint is seriously affected by defects, low bonding strength, and poor morphology. Meanwhile, it is difficult to meet the demands for lightweight automobiles by considering only bonding strength as the target for forming quality. Therefore, the technological characteristics of metal–polymer hybrid structures for use in lightweight automotive applications are analyzed, the advantages and problems of laser-joining technology are discussed, and the characterization indexes and regulation measures of forming quality in laser joining are summarized. This paper which provides reference and guidance for reliable forming, intelligent development, and lightweight application of laser joining for polymer–metal hybrid structures.