Product Code: ICAL06_1706

Development of the Laser-Spot-Welded-Stainless-Steel-Panel for Vehicle Body
Authors:
Masahi Oikawa, GUNMA Univ.; Kiryu, Gunma Japan
Katsuhiro MINAMIDA, Nippon Steel Corporation; Futtsu, Chiba Japan
Hiroyuki KUMEHARA, GUNMA University; Kiryu, Gunma Japan
Presented at ICALEO 2006

To evaluate the static strength in which the laser-spot-welded-stainless-steel-panel for vehicle body applications is applied as outside plates to improve corrosion resistance and heat hardiness of conventional aluminum honeycomb panels, static tests were carried out. This panel consists of two face sheets and truss-shaped corrugation core. They are assembled by the laser spot welding and the feature of this panel is that laser welding spot is not existed in outside face sheet of panels. A conventional 300 W pulsed Nd; YAG laser with optical fiber and focusing system is applied for spot welding face sheets and corrugation core. Outside face sheet thickness is 1.5 mm, inside face sheet thickness is 0.8 mm, and core thickness is 0.4 mm. Especially to weld outside face sheet and core, closely controlled laser beam is irradiated from core side to obtain half penetration condition in outside face sheet. The laser-spot-welded-stainless-steel-panel is sufficient for application as a structural material for any kind of vehicle bodies.