Optimizing CO₂ laser beam welding parameters for magnesium hybrid metal matrix composites (ZE41A)

ABSTRACT

The current work is the investigation of optimizing input welding parameters of CO₂ laser welding of two stir squeeze casted magnesium (ZE41A) matrix silicon nitride and alumina-reinforced hybrid metal matrix composites (MMCs). Two similar hybrid MMC plates were joined by the CO₂ laser beam welding process and were investigated for input welding parameters influencing the metallurgical and mechanical properties. The identified parameters were subjected to optimization by Box-Behnken experimental design of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and the experimental trials were validated by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). With increases of 16% and 23%, the microhardness and tensile strength peaked at 207 MPa and 78 HV, respectively. The ideal input welding settings were 3500W of laser power, 4 mm/minute welding speed, and a focus length of 1.5 mm.

KEYWORDS:

• Mg hybrid MMC
• stir-squeeze casting
• laser welding
• RSM
• mechanical and metallurgical properties

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).