Laser Welding of High-strength Aluminium Alloys for the Sheet Metal Forming Process

Laser beam welding of similar and dissimilar joints made of 7075-T6 and 5182-O sheets is conducted. A new approach of the Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht is used to solve the problems of weldability and softening. The microstructural characteristics and the mechanical properties of the joints are evaluated. With this information it is possible to initially assess the formability of the tailored blanks. Finally the formability of the welds will be validated via a sheet metal forming process. Owing to the good formability of the base materials, the results obtained for the welded joints are compared with base material properties.