Riveting–welding hybrid bonding of high-strength steel and aluminum alloy

Abstract

ABSTRACTBased on laser-induced tungsten inert gas hybrid welding source, the riveting–welding hybrid joining technology was applied to join Q460 high-strength steel and 6061 Al alloy. The mechanism of the action of hybrid welding source was discussed. The effect of welding penetration of the Al alloy sheet on mechanical properties and element distribution of hybrid joints was investigated. In addition, the formation mechanism of Al-steel interface was also explored. Under the action of laser-induced arc hybrid welding source, three load-bearing areas were generated in the joint, which were, respectively, the steel-steel welding joint, the Al-steel mixing area, and the Al/steel interface formed by the sidewalls of Al alloy plate and steel rivet. When the penetration of Al alloy “H” was between 300 and 400 μm, the tensile shear load of the hybrid joint was evaluated to 5.3 ± 0.2 kN, which was 90% of the strength of Q460 steel. In addition, the properties of joints were improved by the bonding effect of the Al alloy plate and steel rivet.