Comparative study on CO2 laser overlap welding and resistance spot welding for galvanized steel

The CO2 laser overlap welding and the resistance spot welding are respectively investigated on DC56D galvanized steel used for auto body. The characteristics of the two types of welding methods are systematically analyzed in terms of the weld molding, tensile-shear performance, microstructure, hardness, and corrosion resistance of welding joint. The results show that, the fusion widths of the upper and lower surface are almost the same for the resistance welding joint, and the weld nugget is surrounded by the heat-affected zone. While the laser welding joint belongs to deep penetration welding, the weld fusion width presents wide at the top and narrow at the bottom, and the heat-affected zone is situated on both sides of the weld pool. Compared with resistance spot welding joint, laser welding joints have much more ultrafine microstructures, much smaller heat-affected zones, as well as greater resistance to deformation and corrosion. In addition, the tensile-shear performance of laser weld joints is superior to that of resistance welding joints under certain conditions.

► Laser welding and resistance welding are respectively researched on galvanized steel.
► The characteristics of the two kinds of welding methods are systematically analyzed.
► Laser welding joint have much more compact structures and smaller heat-affected zones.
► The tensile-shear performance of laser weld joint is superior under certain condition.
► Laser welding test pieces has greater resistance to deformation and corrosion.