A comparison of the weld properties between laser welding with and without filler wire of rolled Mg sheet for automobile

The laser welding was effective way to joint magnesium alloys because it had high weld strength and productivity compare with other welding processes. However the performance of weld was affected by the gap in joints. A simple method to compensate the lack of molten metal in weld was filler wire addition. In this study, the influence of filler wire in laser welding was evaluated. The material was strip casted and rolled magnesium alloy sheet contains 3wt%Al, 1wt%Zn and Mg balance (AZ31). The CW Nd:YAG laser was used to weld I-butt joint of Mg sheets at Ar shield. For the results, the mechanical properties of welded specimen were similar with base metal in laser welding with and without filler wire. The bridging ability was improved by laser welding with filler wire. We manufactured successfully the engine hood with Mg TWB panel by laser welding with and without filler wire.