Title: CO₂ laser welding of aluminium matrix composites

Authors: F. Bonollo, A. Tiziani, M. Penasa

Addresses: DTG, University of Padova, Str. S. Nicola, 3, 36100 Vicenza, Italy. DTG, University of Padova, Str. S. Nicola, 3, 36100 Vicenza, Italy. Istituto RTM, Vico Canavese, 10085 Regione Lime (TO), Italy

Abstract: The development of suitable welding techniques is a key-point for the use of Metal Matrix Composites in engineering applications. High energy welding techniques, such as laser beam, may have both positive and negative effects (high cooling rates, so minimum time is available for matrix-reinforcement reactions, but also high temperature, with strong beam-reinforcement interactions). This work is focussed on the set up of CO₂ laser welding processes for discontinuously reinforced Aluminium Matrix Composites. Both unalloyed Al and an Al-Si casting alloy (A354) have been used as matrices, reinforced by particulate Silicon Carbide (5 and 15%vol). The composites have been submitted to penetration tests (traverse speed a 3.7 m/min, laser beam power a 4 kW). Two kinds of filler wires (ER4043 and ER4047) have been also employed. Microstructural characterisations have been carried out on the beads, leading, together with an analytical thermal model of the process, to the definition of guidelines for obtaining good welded joints on such composites.

Keywords: aluminium; aluminium alloys; laser welding; metal matrix composites; silicon carbide.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.2002.001316

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 2002 Vol.17 No.3/4, pp.291-302

Published online: 02 Jul 2003 *

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