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Summary
The results of research on CO2 laser welding of thin-sheet carbon steels (zinc-coated and uncoated) in several thickness combinations, are presented. Laser welding has a high potential for application to welding of sub-assemblies prior to forming (consisting of various parts of different materials and thicknesses), known as tailored blanks, for the automotive industry.
The welding process is studied by analysing parameter optimisation, metallurgical quality and the distortions induced by welding. The clamping and gas shielding systems are described in detail, in order to minimise common defects in thin-sheet laser welding, such as misalignment and in zinc-coated laser welding, such as porosity and zinc vaporisation. Finally, weld quality is assessed using DIN standard 8563 and assessed quantitatively by tensile, micro-hardness and corrosion tests.