Cold forming of Al-5251 and Al-6082 tailored welded blanks manufactured by laser and electron beam welding

This work demonstrates applicability of electron beam welding (EBW) and laser (LBW) techniques for manufacture tailored welded blanks (TWBs) from Al-5251 (H22) Al-6082 (T6) sheets. A combination dissimilar sheets as well thicknesses (1.5 mm 2.5 mm) has been used in addition to a similar combination. An optimal post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) was determined that effective relieving stresses impart adequate ductility the TWBs allowing cold forming (i.e. stamping), into cruciform geometry, at ambient temperature. Pull tests revealed marked improvement elongation all welds, including combinations, after PWHT. Micro-hardness mapping weld sections showed transition non-uniform more uniform distribution via slight increase hardness region whilst decrease parent materials. Non-contact optical measurement using GOM camera minimal localised thinning steep angled areas geometry. The LBW TWBs, PWHT, noticeable elongation, homogeneous slightly refined microstructure fusion zone (FZ) compared their EBW counterparts.