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Effects of gap width on droplet transfer behavior in ultra-narrow gap laser welding of high strength aluminum alloys

  • Chaoqun Song
  • , Shiyun Dong*
  • , Shixing Yan
  • , Jiawu He
  • , Binshi Xu
  • , Peng He
  • *Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Ultra-narrow gap laser welding is a novel method for thick high strength aluminum alloy plate for its lower heat input, less deformation and higher efficiency. To obtain a perfect welding quality, it is vital to control the more complex droplet transfer behavior under the influence of ultra-narrow gap groove. This paper reports the effects of gap width of groove on droplet transfer behavior in ultra-narrow gap laser welding of 7A52 aluminum alloy plates by a high speed camera, using an ER 5356 filler wire. The results showed that the gap width had directly effects on droplet transfer mode and droplet shape. The droplet transfer modes were, in order, both-sidewall transfer, single-sidewall transfer, globular droplet transfer and bridging transfer, with different droplet shape and transition period, as the gap width increased from 2 mm to 3.5mm. The effect of gap width on lack of fusion was also studied to analyze the cause for lack of fusion at the bottom and on the sidewall of groove. Finally, with a 2.5 mm U-type parallel groove, a single-pass joint with no lack of fusion and other macro welding defects was successfully obtained in a single-sidewall transfer mode.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAOPC 2017
Subtitle of host publicationLaser Components, Systems, and Applications
EditorsLong Zhang, Lan Jiang, Shibin Jiang, Lijun Wang
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510613959
DOIs
StatePublished - 2017
EventApplied Optics and Photonics China: Laser Components, Systems, and Applications, AOPC 2017 - Beijing, China
Duration: 4 Jun 20176 Jun 2017

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume10457
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Conference

ConferenceApplied Optics and Photonics China: Laser Components, Systems, and Applications, AOPC 2017
Country/TerritoryChina
CityBeijing
Period4/06/176/06/17

Keywords

  • Laser welding
  • droplet transfer
  • high strength aluminum alloys
  • narrow gap

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