Abstract
Welding of magnesium with aluminium alloys is challenging due to the formation of brittle intermetallic phases. In this study laser welding of an Mg alloy with an Al alloy, using a Nd∶YAG laser with a two focus optics and ZnAl filler material, was investigated. Mechanical tests, as well as microstructure investigations by light optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis were carried out in order to characterise the hybrid joint. The strength of the joints is significantly affected by the aluminium content in the filler wire. Strengths of the joint were comparable to those obtained by other joining techniques such as diffusion or adhesive bonding using welding speeds of 1·75 m min−1.
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