Application of laser in seam welding of dissimilar steel to aluminium joints for thick structural components

Joining of dissimilar materials

“…Wang, et al [271] show an example of laser transmission lap joining between PET and titanium with promising results. Even metal-metal joints can utilize this effect: Meco et al [146] describe lap joint laser beam welding of 2 mm thick steel XF350 steel to 6 mm thick aluminium (AA5083-H22). The bond is created by: ''heat conducted through the steel plate to the steel-aluminium interface, where the aluminium melts and wets the steel surface'' and a tensile shear load of the bond of 21.4 to 31.3 kN is achieved.…”

Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Dissimilar Al/Steel Butt Joints Produced by Autogenous Laser Keyhole Welding

“…Although research on joining dissimilar steel/Al alloy joints with fusion-based welding processes is extensive, most previous studies have been focused on lapped joints or overlap joints of less than 2 mm thick sheets for automotive applications [2,3]. In recent years, the development of fast-speed vessels requires improved solutions to the dissimilar joining of Al alloy superstructures to the steel hull for achieving weight reduction in the shipbuilding industry [4,5]. Thus, the dissimilar joining of thick Al/steel joints has received considerable attention in shipbuilding applications [6].…”

“…In general, an explosive Al/steel transition joint is used in the shipyard for the dissimilar joining of Al/steel joints. However, the cost of the transition joints bonded by explosive welding is high due to the complex manufacturing process [4,5,7]. Therefore, it is highly important to develop new welding process for dissimilar joining Al/steel joints directly.…”

“…It is well known that dissimilar joining Al/steel joints is extremely challenging due to the huge disparity in thermal-physical properties between steels and Al alloys [4,8,9]. One of the main issues associated with welding Al/steel joints is the formation of thick intermetallic compound (IMC) layers at the interface [10,11].…”

Dissimilar friction stir welding of duplex stainless steel to low alloy structural steel

“…However, problems inherent with these techniques arise due to a number of issues, such as dissimilar thermal properties and melting temperatures. [4][5][6][7] Joining aluminium and steel will form hard, brittle intermetallic compounds, 6 whilst using stainless steel in dissimilar joints can lead to poorer corrosion properties if the dilution is not correctly controlled. 7 Therefore, careful design considerations are critical in terms of selection and application of dissimilar joints.…”