Effect of activating flux Cr2O3 on microstructure and properties of laser welded 5083 aluminum alloys. (June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Huang, Yiming; Yuan, Yuxue; Feng, Yingchao; Liu, Jinping; Yang, Lijun; Cui, Lei
• Is Part Of: Optics & laser technology. Volume 150(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-06
• Subjects: Laser welding -- Aluminum alloys -- Activating flux -- Microstructure -- Mechanical properties; Optics -- Periodicals; Lasers -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 621.366
• DOI: 10.1016/j.optlastec.2022.107930
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0030-3992

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Aluminum alloys with 2 mm thickness were fully penetrated by the active laser welding (ALW) with the laser power of 1.5 kW. The active laser wire filling welding (ALWFW) was beneficial to improve weld forming, restrain weld defects and reduce Mg loss. The joint strength of the active laser wire filling welded aluminum alloys was up to 275 MPa, reaching 91% of the base metal. The Al8 Cr5 phase formed in the fusion zone was the main reason for improving the joint strength. Abstract: The keyhole was very unstable in the laser welding of aluminum alloys, which was liable to cause welding defects. To solve this problem, the active laser welding (ALW) and the active laser wire filling welding (ALWFW) of 5083 aluminum alloys were investigated with a low laser power. The effect of the activating flux Cr2 O3 and process parameters on the weld morphology, the microstructure, the Mg loss, the phase distribution and tensile properties were analyzed. The results showed that the 5083 aluminum alloys with 2 mm thickness were fully penetrated by ALW at a laser power of 1.5 kW. Although the welding process was free of spatter, the weld sagging and the reduction in Mg concentration were serious. With filler wires, the joint morphology changed from concave to flat. In addition, the Mg concentration was supplemented and the β phase was increased. The Al8 Cr5 phase generated in the fusion zone was suggested to be the main reason for the increase of the joint strength. The maximum joint strength reached 275 MPa in ALWFW of 5083 aluminum alloys.