LASER-WELDING OF LOW-THICKNESS ZINC-COATED AND UNCOATED CARBON-STEEL SHEETS

Laser welding is a competitive joining process for low-thickness plate s. The speeds achieved with laser welding using a CO2 laser and the lo w heat input introduced to the base material are the main advantages o f this process. The widespread use of laser welding will increase the productivity and accuracy of welding operations. Nevertheless, there a re still important developments to be made. The results of laser weldi ng of thin sheets (below 1.25 mm) of uncoated and zinc-coated carbon s teels are presented. A CO2 laser was used for the welding of sheets of different thicknesses and to make dissimilar welds (carbon steel to z inc-coated steel). The bead dimensions and the distortions of the weld ed sheets are analysed.