Characterization of AZ31B wrought magnesium alloy joints welded by high power fiber laser

A 6 kW fiber laser is used to weld AZ31B wrought magnesium alloy and the characterization of welded joints are studied by the observations of bead size, microstructure and mechanical properties. The accepted joints without macro-defects can be obtained when the laser power is in the range of 2.5 to 4.0 kW. Typical hexagonal dendrites are observed in the fusion zone, whose average semi-axis length increases with increasing heat input or decreasing welding speed. The minimum ultimate tensile strength of welded joints reaches 227 MPa, 94.6% of the base metal. And when the heat input reduces to 48 J/mm or lower, the joints are fractured in the base metal, showing stronger failure strength compared to the base metal. For the joints ruptured in the weld metal, the fracture surface is characterized by a ductile-brittle mixed pattern consisting of both dimples and cleavages. Finally, the formation mechanism of pore in the welds is discussed and summarized by the pore morphologies on the fracture surface. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.