TWI Industrial Member Report Summary 765/2003
A Lugan
Background
Aluminium alloys possess many favourable properties as engineering materials: a high strength to weight ratio, good corrosion resistance, ease of forming, attractive appearance, and high thermal and electrical conductivity. Aluminium products are available in the form of extrusions, forgings, rolled plates, and castings. These alloys have become the materials of choice in a range of products from high speed catamaran ferries to packaging for consumer goods.
Objectives
- To quantify the reduction in porosity offered by a 'twin spot' distribution, when compared to results observed using a conventional single, circularly symmetric, focused laser spot.
- To assess the effectiveness and practicality of a twin spot focused energy distribution to reduce porosity when laser welding 2024 aluminium alloy.