Laser–tungsten inert gas hybrid welding of dissimilar AZ based magnesium alloys

Abstract

The microstructure and mechanical properties of dissimilar AZ based magnesium alloys subjected to laser–tungsten inert gas (TIG) hybrid welding have been investigated. The results show that magnesium alloys can be readily welded as dissimilar joints using this process. The microstructure of the dissimilar magnesium alloy joints is composed of primary α phase (Mg) and β phase (Mg₁₇Al₁₂), based on electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) data. In addition, the tensile strength of AZ31B–AZ61 and –AZ91 joints is equal to that of AZ31B base metal. It has also been found that the presence of β phase has a severe influence on the tensile strength and mirohardness of dissimilar magnesium alloy joints.