Nd:YAG laser lap welding of coated aluminium alloys Available to Purchase

This experimental program investigated the production of lap welds between 1 mm thick sheets of aluminium alloys 5182 and 6016 which had previously been coated with Drylube. (Drylube is a polymer based coating approximately 1 μm thick which improves the formability of the aluminium alloy sheet). Successful welds were produced using a 2.5 kW Nd:YAG laser in conjunction with a 0.6 mm optical fibre. It was discovered that there is an optimum gap width between the two sheets which gives the best weld quality and strength. Pulsed and CW laser welds were produced and compared with respect to porosity and surface profile, etc.