Welding of magnesium alloys

Abstract

The scope of the presentation focuses on the Nd:YAG laser beam welding and the friction welding of conventional magnesium alloys of the AZ- and AM- classification as well as alloys containing rare elements. The base materials used for the experiments are cast-alloys as well as wrought-alloys. A description of the process and also quality relevant process parameters and resulting joining properties are discussed. The mechanical properties and the grain structures of the various areas of the welding are subjects of major interest. Another focus is put on the proof of the use of statistical test methods for welding applications to lower the amount of test runs and to get a detailed description of the influences and interactions between process parameters and marks of quality. With regards to the results of friction welding a newly defined factor for the weld seam quality will be introduced which describes the ratio between energy input and deformation energy.