Joint strength and behaviour of coated aluminium in laser lap welding of steel sheets

When galvanized steel sheets are closely overlapped and welded by laser lap welding, a large amount of molten metal spatters, resulting in a poor surface appearance of the weld and weakened strength of the welded joint, as compared with that of cold-rolled steel sheets. Whereas in the case of aluminium-coated steel sheets, even when they are closely overlapped and welded by laser lap welding, no spattering occurs. Thus, a good surface appearance of the weld is obtained, but the welded joint has lower strength. In both the mentioned cases, it is known that if a clearance of about 0.1 mm is provided between the steel sheets, laser lap welding produces a good surface appearance of the weld and the welded joint strength equal to that of the cold-rolled steel sheets. This report discusses specifically how, in laser lap welding of overlapped Al-coated steel sheets, Al of the coated layer comes to enter the weld metal, also specifically how to reduce the joint strength, as well as what behaviours of Al are present when a clearance is provided between the steel sheets. When the steel sheets are closely overlapped and welded, Al becoming molten on the base metal side of the bond of the overlapped face becomes swallowed up by the bath streams of the molten pool, flowing into the molten pool, then forming the Fe–Al intermetallic compound, while not being sufficiently stirred. It is considered that when subjected to the tensile shear test, the Fe–Al intermetallic compound starts to fracture, thereby causing a partial loss of the weld metal and a reduction in the joint strength. On the other hand, when a clearance is provided between the steel sheets, it may be inferred that the fusion Al on the base metal side of the bond stays in place without flowing into the molten pool, consequently not forming the Fe–Al intermetallic compounds within the weld metal.     

CO2 laser-micro plasma arc hybrid welding for galvanized steel sheets

A laser lap welding process for zinc-coated steel has a well-known unsolved problem-porosity formation. The boiling temperature of coated zinc is lower than the melting temperature of the base metal, which is steel. In the autogenous laser welding, the zinc vapor generates from the lapped surfaces expels the molten pool and the expulsion causes numerous weld defects, such as spatters and blow holes on the weld surface and porosity inside the welds. The laser-arc hybrid welding was suggested as an alternative method for the laser lap welding because the arc can preheat or post-heat the weldment according to the arrangement of the laser beam and the arc. CO₂ laser-micro plasma hybrid welding was applied to the lap welding of zinc-coated steel with zero-gap. The relationships among the weld quality and process parameters of the laser-arc arrangement, and the laser-arc interspacing distance and arc current were investigated using a full-factorial experimental design. The effect of laser-arc arrangement is dominant because the leading plasma arc partially melts the upper steel sheets and vaporizes or oxidizes the coated zinc on the lapped surfaces. Compared with the result from the laser-TIG hybrid welding, the heat input from arc can be reduced by 40%.     

CO_2 laser-micro plasma arc hybrid welding for galvanized steel sheets

A laser lap welding process for zinc-coated steel has a well-known unsolved problem-porosity formation. The boiling temperature of coated zinc is lower than the melting temperature of the base metal, which is steel. In the autogenous laser welding, the zinc vapor generates from the lapped surfaces expels the molten pool and the expulsion causes numerous weld defects, such as spatters and blow holes on the weld surface and porosity inside the welds. The laser-arc hybrid welding was suggested as an alternative method for the laser lap welding because the arc can preheat or post-heat the weldment according to the arrangement of the laser beam and the arc. CO2 laser-micro plasma hybrid welding was applied to the lap welding of zinc-coated steel with zero-gap. The relationships among the weld quality and process parameters of the laser-arc arrangement, and the laser-arc interspacing distance and arc current were investigated using a full-factorial experimental design. The effect of laser-arc arrangement is dominant because the leading plasma arc partially melts the upper steel sheets and vaporizes or oxidizes the coated zinc on the lapped surfaces. Compared with the result from the laser-TIG hybrid welding, the heat input from arc can be reduced by 40%.     

Mathematical modelling of metal active gas arc welding

Abstract

A feasibility study has been conducted to determine whether mathematical models can be used for the numerical simulation of metal active gas (MAG) arc welding. In the present work, a three-dimensional, nonstationary thermal model for fillet welding is developed. The transient temperature distribution in the base metal is numerically analysed to estimate the molten pool size using a finite difference model based on the heat flow equation, and the theoretical configuration of the molten pool is calculated, taking account of the balance of gravity, surface tension, and arc pressure. The developed model can be applied to various welding processes such as multipass welding, lap welding, and welding with torch oscillation. To evaluate the validity of the model analysis, the calculated results are compared with experimental results for MAG welding. Good correspondence is demonstrated between experiment and calculation.     

高匹配搭接角焊缝力学性能及应用效果分析

采用等匹配和高匹配焊材完成了高钢级B型套筒修复高钢级管道的试验研究. 结果表明,等匹配焊接和高匹配焊接的角焊缝焊接接头都具有良好的拉伸强度和冲击韧性,高匹配焊接接头熔覆金属的冲击韧性略低于等匹配,其焊接接头延展性略差;施焊后等匹配搭接角焊缝未发现焊接缺陷,焊接接头维氏硬度最大值为293 HV10,出现在角焊缝外表面与套筒搭接焊缝处;高匹配搭接角焊缝出现了起源于角焊缝外表面层的横向裂纹,且该焊接接头硬度整体偏高,最大值出现在外表面中心位置焊缝处,为403 HV10,与裂纹起裂位置对应,其产生原因与焊接过程中不同部位熔池金属冷却速率有关,尤其是外表面盖面焊处冷却速度较快,外壁层硬度值异常偏高,萌生裂纹.因此建议搭接角焊缝焊接焊材选择时,在不影响密封和承载前提下,可尝试降低焊缝匹配强度等级.     

镀锌板单旁路耦合电弧GMAW高速焊接方法

为了解决镀锌板上锌层易受热烧损,无法使用大电流MIG焊接方法进行高速焊接的问题,采用了一种低热输入高效率的焊接方法——单旁路耦合电弧GMAW(DE-GMAW)用于镀锌板的焊接。搭建了该焊接方法的试验平台,对镀锌板堆焊和搭接接头的高速焊接方法进行试验研究。结果表明,通过调整旁路电流值,单旁路耦合电弧GMAW方法降低了镀锌板上的焊接热输入,并可以在大电流和高焊速的条件下实现镀锌板堆焊和搭接接头的焊接,所得焊缝成形良好,母材变形小,焊接过程稳定无飞溅。焊后镀锌层的烧损与同等热输入条件下的普通MIG焊相比明显降低,保证了镀锌板焊后的耐腐蚀性能。     

Quantitative characterization of porosity in Fe–Al dissimilar materials lap joint made by gas metal arc welding with different current modes

5052 Al alloy sheets and galvanized mild steel sheets were joined by gas metal arc welding with three different current modes, including direct-current pulse gas metal arc welding (DPG), alternate-current pulse gas metal arc welding (APG) and alternate-current double pulse gas metal arc welding (ADG). The effect of current mode on size, distribution and volume fraction of pores generated in Fe–Al dissimilar materials lap joint was quantitatively studied. EDS result showed that pores in Fe–Al joint were mainly caused by trapped zinc metal vapor from galvanized steel. Volume fraction of pores in joints made by APG and ADG processes was larger than that in joint resulted from DPG process. Moreover, pores in joints made by APG and ADG processes had smaller diameter, and tended to distribute in the middle of the weld seam. On the contrary, pores with large diameter were inclined to distribute close to upper weld surface of the joint resulted from DPG process. These results are attributed to the difference of arc stirring force and linear heat input in these three processes caused by different current modes.     

Formation of lack of fusion defects and hot cracks in welding steel structures with a corrosion-resisting zinc coating

The conditions of formation of lack of fusion defects and hot cracks in welded joints in welding steel structures with zinc coatings are investigated. The results show that the probability of formation of lack of fusion defects in the metal of the welded joints produced in CO₂ mechanized welding with a consumable electrode increases with increase of the thickness of the zinc coating and is caused by the additional consumption of the heat of the welding arc for evaporation of zinc. To prevent the formation of lack of fusion defects in the metal of these welded joints, it is recommended to correct the welding conditions taking the thickness of the zinc coating into account.     

7A52铝合金-钢异种结构CMT熔钎焊接头组织及镀镍层的行为与影响

以ER4043铝硅焊丝为填充金属,研究了Q235钢螺柱与7A52铝合金板CMT焊接工艺,在焊接电流115~135 A,电弧电压14.5~16.5 V,焊接速度0.3 m/min条件下,焊接过程稳定,焊缝成形连续美观.结果表明,7A52铝合金侧熔合区界面为熔焊特征,铝母材发生熔合,熔合良好;钢螺柱侧熔合区为钎焊特征,界面存在反应层,由靠近钢螺柱的Fe₂Al₅层和靠近焊缝侧的FeAl₃层组成,整体反应层厚度由根趾向焊趾方向逐渐减小.焊趾部位出现富镍区,主要由Al₃Ni的共晶组织及少量Al₃Ni₂组成.与无镀镍层焊缝比较表明,镀镍层在焊接过程的行为降低了界面反应层厚度,且通过形成富镍区,降低了接头的脆性,使接头抗剪切强度提高了15%~19%,最高达到146.9 MPa,满足了高强铝合金螺柱焊接的质量要求.     

Research on laser-arc hybrid welding of lap fillet joints of thin sheet

ABSTRACT

Laser welding is capable of welding at high speeds by high-density energy, while arc welding is an effective construction method from the viewpoint of tolerance of the gap and welding position. Laser-arc hybrid welding has both these features. The authors have researched suitable welding parameters and consumables for this hybrid welding process that couples laser beam with MAG arc for lap fillet weld joining of thin steel sheets. As a result, the following welding parameters have been proven to be the most appropriate for better bead shapes and root-gap tolerance, i.e. laser leading (kept at a right angle) and MAG trailing (kept at a push angle); the laser-arc distance was 3 mm and the laser beam focus size was 2 mm. In addition, it was proven that HT490-class welding wire of Si-Mn-Ti type (JIS YGW11) was the most appropriate for better bead shapes and root-gap tolerance. The bead shape was apt to be better in cases of higher surface tension of welding wire. The result of the tensile shear test of the joint by welding with HT490-class welding wire of Si-Mn-Ti type (JIS YGW11) under selected welding condition demonstrated that the value of the tensile strength of parent material was equal to that of lab fillet joints.     

不锈钢/碳钢TIG焊熔池表面流动行为

为研究异种钢在钨极惰性气体保护焊过程中的熔池表面流动行为,以粒子示踪法为基础,通过激光熔池表面反射的方法,对304不锈钢/Q235碳钢、316L不锈钢/Q235碳钢焊接过程中熔池表面液态金属的流动行为进行了研究,分析了熔池表面示踪粒子的运动趋势,并以此为依据计算了熔池表面液态金属的流动速度.结果表明,在不锈钢/碳钢的TIG焊过程中,熔池表面的液态金属存在从不锈钢侧流向碳钢侧的流动行为.其中,示踪粒子在304不锈钢/Q235碳钢的焊接熔池表面平均流动速度约为25.3 mm/s,在316L不锈钢/Q235碳钢的焊接熔池表面平均流动速度约为21.6 mm/s.     

Study on static and fatigue strength of structural adhesive-bonded joints of steel sheets for automotive application

The static and fatigue strength of crush durable structural adhesive-bonded lap joints of steel sheets for automobiles was evaluated by tensile shear tests. The steel sheets used in this study were uncoated and galvannealed (GA) with tensile strength ranging from 270 MPa-grade to 980 MPa-grade and the thickness ranging from 0.7 to 1.8 mm. Also, the effects of the adhesive types were evaluated. The results are as follows: In the static tensile shear tests, when the steel sheets deformed during the tensile test, the tensile shear strength increased with the increase in the base metal properties, such as the yield strength and thickness; however, when the base metal properties were sufficiently high not to undergo plastic deformation, the tensile shear strength exhibited a constant value. On the other hand, the effect of base metal properties on the fatigue joint strength was relatively small. The static joint strength of the GA steel joints was slightly lower than that of the uncoated steel sheets; however, the fatigue strength of the GA steel joints was higher than that of the uncoated steel sheets. The coating failure of the GA was affected by the type of adhesive, base metal properties and type of test. Choosing the proper adhesive can reduce the failure of the GA coating, and the high strength steel showed fewer coating failures than the mild steel.     

Calculation of the kinetic characteristics of electrode droplets in transition through the arc gap in coated electrode welding

Investigations were carried out into the behaviour in a corrosive medium of joints in galvanized steels produced by arc welding and brazing without removal of the coating using welding materials based on iron, copper, zinc and aluminium. The topography of the electrode potentials and galvanic currents on the surface of the joints, coated with a thin layer of the electrolyte, is determined. The maximum width of the damaged coating in relation to the joint, ensuring efficient anodic shielding, is determined. The corrosion resistance of the joints is evaluated.     

Fluxless laser beam joining of aluminium with zinc coated steel

Abstract

A laser welding–brazing (LWB) process to join zinc coated steel and aluminium sheets in two different flange geometries is reported. The deep drawing steel sheets are covered by a zinc layer of maximum thickness 10 μm, and a zinc based filler wire was used in the welding experiments with a Nd–YAG laser. Because of the differences in melting temperatures between iron (1808 K), aluminium (933 K), and zinc (693 K), it is possible to weld the aluminium alloy only. Owing to the zinc coating on the steel side, a Zn–Al alloy can be brazed onto the steel without any flux agent. The inevitable formation of a Fe–Al intermetallic phase at the bondline of the weld seam and the steel can be limited to a thickness of less than 5 μm and to a proportion of the contact area only. Mechanical as well as dynamic tests show results comparable to those obtained via other joining techniques. Salt chamber corrosion tests of varnished specimens display minor damage and no decline in tensile strength.     

焊丝熔化方式对激光焊接过程的影响

研究了两种焊丝熔化方法(电弧预熔丝激光焊、激光填丝焊)激光焊接过程对匙孔稳定性以及焊缝成形的影响,进一步研究了焊丝熔化方法对焊接接头质量的影响,并对比分析了两种焊丝熔化方式对焊接速度的适应性. 结果表明,电弧预熔丝激光焊过程中,熔池表面匙孔开口尺寸变化不大,匙孔较为稳定;激光填丝焊方法由于熔化的液态金属距离匙孔边缘很近,焊接过程中熔池表面匙孔开口尺寸变化较大,而且容易出现熔池表面匙孔的闭合. 与激光填丝焊相比,电弧预熔丝激光焊熔化的焊丝端部可以沿熔池边缘流入,与匙孔边缘的距离较远,匙孔稳定性较好,焊缝气孔数量较少. 当焊接速度为8 m/min时,电弧预熔丝激光焊的焊缝成形良好;而激光填丝焊焊缝背面成形不连续,并且出现了未焊透的缺陷.     

Influence of zinc on intermetallic compounds formed in friction stir welding of AA5754 aluminium alloy to galvanised ultra-high strength steel

In this study, lap joints between AA5754 and DP1000 ultra-high strength steels were produced by friction stir welding. In order to investigate the roles of zinc on intermetallic phase formation and joint properties, steel substrates were used, two being galvanised coated and one uncoated. Joint performance has been evaluated in term of maximum tensile shear loading. The effects of the process parameter, translational speed; chemical compositions; and intermetallic phase formation on the mechanical properties have been investigated. The results show that joints with a galvanised layer exhibit higher strength as compared to the non-coated steel. A thicker galvanised layer promotes the presence of zinc in the aluminium matrix, resulting in better joint properties. The level of zinc contents in the aluminium matrix depends on process temperature and material circulation characteristics. Two stable Al-rich intermetallic phases, Al₅Fe₂ and Al₁₃Fe₄, were detected at the interface regardless of the coating conditions.     

Fe3Al合金与A304钢的TIG焊试验研究

采用TIG焊方法，分别选择9Cr-1Mo钢焊丝、A347焊丝和Inconel82Ni基合金焊丝作填充材料对Fe3Al合金与A304不锈钢进行焊接试验，并对接头质量进行了检测分析。结果表明：三种填充焊丝的焊缝中均有裂纹产生，并且在Fe3Al合金的热影响区还出现了微裂纹；采用Cr—Mo钢焊丝时，溶池金属沿FeAl母材基体结晶长大，接头区组织较均匀，而采用Ni基焊丝时，Fe3Al侧存在界线明显的熔合区。     

Gas metal arc brazing of galvannealed steel sheets

An advanced gas metal arc welding technique with controlled short-circuiting mode of metal transfer and arcing at low power was employed for brazing of galvannealed steels using CuSi3 filler wire. The brazed joints showed the presence of an interface layer with Fe–Si intermetallic compounds (IMC). Increase in heat input resulted in an increase of the interface layer thickness. The maximum failure load of 2.5?kN was achieved for a heat input of 105?J?mm^?1 with the corresponding interface layer thickness of 2.7?µm. Heat inputs beyond 105?J?mm^?1 led to excessive spatter of zinc and increase in interface layer thickness with hard Si-rich IMC. In contrast, heat input values lower than 80?J?mm^?1 produced inadequate wetting of the steel surface by the molten filler wire deposit and resulted in low joint strength.     

Comparative tests of steel car body sheet welds made using CMT and MIG/MAG methods

Results of tests on the influence of automatic welding process parameters using the cold metal transfer (CMT) method on the quality of lap joints made of 0.8 mm steel car body sheets (DC 04) were described. These joints were compared with joints executed using a traditional short arc in gas shielding (MAG). Research work included visual and metallographic inspections, microhardness measurements, and mechanical properties tests of the welded joints. It was noted that the CMT method allowed for the joining of thin workpieces at much higher velocities than previously used in arc welding in shielding gases (approximately four times faster than using MIG/MAG methods), while maintaining very good quality. Metallographic tests were also used to state the changes taking place in the joint and welded material depending on parameter changes. Additionally, attempts were made to determine a mixing factor for both upper and lower metal sheets. It was observed that increased arc length caused deeper depth of fusion of the material of the lower sheet, resulting in an incremental increase in the mixing factor.