Product Code: ICAL05_P525

T-Joint Properties Optimisation in Al-Mg-Si Alloy Laser Welding
Authors:
Gerard Duffet, LTm; Chalon Sur Saone France
Dominique Grevey, LTm; Le Creusot France
Eugen Cicala, Polytechnic University of Timisoara; Timisoara Romania
Henri Andrzejewski, LTm; Le Creusot France
Presented at ICALEO 2005

Main focus of development in aircraft materials properties is a reduction of the aircraft life cost of aircraft. One of the means to achieve life cost reduction is to improve mechanical properties of aluminium alloys. New production techniques allow materials properties improvements. T-joint properties optimisation in Al-Mg-Si alloy laser welding is one of these means. But this optimisation brings into play many operating factors. The selection of operating welding parameters requires an understanding of the interrelation between factors. In order to study the influence of operating factors and their interrelations, the factorial design approach is an appropriate solution. T-joint welding was carried out using two cw laser heads Optimum parameters were found to reach a good tensile strength. Simultaneous or successive welding led to different welding depths but tensile strength values were similar in the optimal parameter zone. In this zone, a cross section of the weld showed a V shape design of the seam. This V shape gave the higher tensile strength for the different laser configurations. The results of the factorial design enable to create a second degree polynomial model so that we may estimate, in the experimental field, the average tensile strength per mm of weld as a function of welding speed and wire volume deposited per mm of weld.