Laser Welding of Dual-Phase Galvanized Sheet Steel

Published

March 18, 2016

Author(s)

Stephanie L. Miller, Erik A. Pfeif, Andrei F. Kazakov, Esther Baumann, Marla L. Dowell

Abstract

Laser welding has many advantages over traditional joining methods, but remains underutilized. NIST has undertaken an initiative to improve predictions of weldability, reliability, and performance of laser welds. This study investigates butt welding of galvanized and ungalvanized dual-phase automotive sheet steels (DP 590) using a 10 kW commercial fiber laser system (IPG). Parameter development work, hardness profiles, microstructural characterization, and optical profilometry profiles are presented. Sound welding was accomplished in a laser power range of 2 kW to 4.5 kW and travel speed of 2000 mm/min to 5000 mm/min. Hardness ranged from nominally 200 HV to 400 HV across the welds, with decreased hardness across the HAZ directly correlated to the appearance of ferrite. A program was developed to non-destructively evaluate weld quality based on geometrical criteria. Profilometry data were compared between light optical, metallographic sample, and frequency-modulated continuous-wave laser detection and ranging (FMCW LADAR) methods. Speckle noise in the LADAR data did not allow for accurate representation of the weld profile.

Proceedings Title

Proceedings of SPIE Photonics West 2016

Conference Dates

February 13-18, 2016

Conference Location

San Francisco , CA

Conference Title

SPIE Photonics West 2016

Pub Type

Conferences

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DOI Link

Keywords

laser welding, low-carbon steel

Citation

Miller, S. , Pfeif, E. , Kazakov, A. , Baumann, E. and Dowell, M. (2016), Laser Welding of Dual-Phase Galvanized Sheet Steel, Proceedings of SPIE Photonics West 2016, San Francisco , CA, [online], https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2211186 (Accessed October 5, 2024)