Laser beam welding of 5182 aluminum alloy sheet

Conditions were determined for consistent coupling of a CO2 laser beam to w eld 5182 aluminum alloy sheet. Full penetration butt and bead-on-plate weld s on 0.8 and 1.8 mm sheets were performed. Process conditions examined incl uded beam mode, spot size and irradiance, shielding gas flow, and edge qual ity and fitup. The observed weld quality variations with the different proc ess parameters were consistent with physical phenomena and a threshold irra diance model. Optimal conditions were determined for obtaining consistent w elds on 5182 alloy sheets. Formability and tensile tests were performed on the welded samples. All test failures occurred in the fusion zone. Reductio n in formability and tensile strength of the welded samples are discussed w ith respect to weld profiles and process parameters. (C) 1999 Laser Institu te of America. [S1042-346X(99)00501-X].