Laser Butt Welding of Thin Ti6Al4V Sheets: Effects of Welding Parameters

Abstract

Titanium and its alloys, particularly Ti6Al4V, which is widely utilized in the marine and aerospace industries, have played a vital role in different manufacturing industries. An efficient and cost-effective way of joining this metal is by laser welding. The effect of laser power and welding speed on the tensile, microhardness, and microstructure of Ti6Al4V alloy is investigated in this paper. Results show that the microhardness is highest at the fusion zone and reduces towards the base metal. The microstructure at the fusion zone shows a transformed needle-like lamellar α phase, with a martensitic α’ phase observed within the heat affected zone. Results of tensile tests show an improved tensile strength compared to the base metal.

Keywords

• fractography
• laser welding
• microhardness
• microstructure
• Ti6Al4V