TWI Industrial Member Report Summary 644/1998
K Wiemer
Background
Welding of magnesium alloys is conventionally carried out using arc methods, in particular TIG welding for repair of castings. Interest in magnesium for its lightweight properties and high stiffness to weight ratio has always existed in the aerospace sector, but has increased in recent years for automotive and other applications. The use of laser welding for these materials offers a fast, flexible, low heat input joining process.
Objectives
- To review the literature for data on the laser welding of magnesium alloys.
- To demonstrate CO 2 and Nd:YAG laser welding for a range of magnesium alloys.
- To determine the quality and basic mechanical properties of the laser welds produced in a range of magnesium alloys.