Welding of aluminium alloys with high-power Nd:YAG lasers

Summary

The use of aluminium and its alloys is increasing, particularly in the transport industry. However, weldability is poorer than in other materials and their properties are reduced due to loss of alloying elements and/or heat treatment. A brief overview is given of the use of high-power Nd: YAG lasers in welding aluminium alloys and the results of combining high-power beams guided by small-diameter fibres, resting lightly over the workpiece. Finally, the airborne particles produced by continuous laser welding at 2 kW are characterised.