Effect of Laser Beam Power on AA6082 Plates Joined by Wobbling Mode Remote Laser Welding

Abstract

The advancement of technology has led to an increased need for new materials, which has necessitated the development of new joining techniques. With the adaptation of advanced automation technology, remote laser welding, which has become increasingly widespread, has facilitated the joining of desired complex structures. In this context, the determination of the laser beam power, which is the locomotive of the welding parameters, before the joining process has played an important role in the weld quality. In this study, 2 mm thick AA6082 plates were joined with a wobling mode remote laser welding system using 4 kW, 3 kW and 2.5 kW laser beam powers. Except for the laser beam power, other parameters were optimized by preliminary studies. The welding process was performed in circular oscillation mode and the time-dependent motion of the laser beam was calculated in advance. The seam geometry, microstructure and hardness properties of the weld line initial, middle and end regions of each joining plate were investigated. As a result of the investigations, full penetration was achieved in the joints made with 4 kW and 3 kW laser powers, but the use of 4kW laser power reduced the weld quality. As a result of using 2.5 kw laser power, full penetration was not achieved and porosity formations were observed. In addition, seam geometry values, HAZ distance and compound dimensions close to the fusion line decreased and weld zone element values changed with decreasing laser power. The transformation in structural and elemental values caused regional hardness changes.