Investigation of Strength and Formability of 6016 Aluminum Tailor Welded Blanks

The automotive industry is constantly looking for innovative techniques to produce lighter, more efficient, and less polluting vehicles comply with the increasingly restrictive environmental regulations. One of latest technologies, which still developing, based on fabrication body-in-white car parts through stamping aluminum tailor welded blanks. Tailor blanks (TWBs) are generally a combination two/three metal sheets different thicknesses and/or mechanical strengths, commonly laser butt-welded. Even though TWBs have main advantage producing lightweight parts, their use limited by lower formability than parent materials fact that welding remains process easily subjected weld defects (i.e., internal porosity) and, hence, requires strict control parameters. This study has investigated effects parameters (laser power, speed, focus position) properties made 6xxx series. research results show conditions highly influence weldability such alloys. Heat input over 70 J/mm responsible excessive porosity molten pool (and consequent root concavity), lowest strength joints. Differently, low amounts imperfections behaviors TWB Overall, narrow window required ensure joints proper or no porosity.