The highly crack susceptible magnesium alloy ZK60 plates of 2 mm thickness were successfully welded by laser beam welding (LBW) with filler strip, which has the advantages of low heat input and capability of adjusting the compositions of weld metal to a less susceptible level. The effects of the compositions of filler strips on the microstructures and mechanical properties of the joints were investigated. Compared with autogenous LBW, LBW with filler strip can produce a narrower joint and avoid the cracks and pits, which severely worsen mechanical properties of the joints. When the filler strip of ZK40 alloy is employed, the grains in fusion zone can be refined, and a high quality joint, with the ultimate tensile strength of 322 MPa up to 90·7% of the base metal, is obtained.
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