Investigations on laser welding of magnesium alloys

Abstract The welding processes of three different magnesium alloys ZK60, AZ31, and Mg-rare earth alloy NZ30K were studied using a high-power CO 2 laser. The microstructure and tensile strength of welded joints were tested and analyzed. With increasing welding speed the tensile strength and total elongation of welded joints of ZK60 alloy are improved. The ultimate tensile strength of the welded joint of ZK60 is 211.18 MPa, 90% of the base metal. The tensile strengths of welded joints of AZ31 and NZ30K are better than those of the base metal. The expansion of the plasma of laser-welded ZK60 is the strongest with the highest temperature.