Dio de laser welding in aluminium alloys

Abstract

The aim of this research is the study of the effect of dioíle laser welding process on welds in hot cracking susceptible aluminium alloys. Welds with good quality were obtained with this process, without hot cracking, though sorne small porosity is always present. Welds in alloys 2024-T3 and 6061-T 4 showed a significant decrease in hardness in the -weld metal and heat-affected zone and alloy 5083-0 exhibited only a small decrease in hardness in the same zones. 0n the contrary, alloy 7075-0 exhibited a significant increase in hardness in these zones. A decrease ofjoint efficiency of21% and 12% was observed in -welds on alloys 5083-0 and 6061-T4, respectively. Welds on alloy 7075-0 do not show any loss in the weld joint efficiency. A criterion based on hardness measurements should not be used to estímate the -weld joint efficiency.