MAGNESIUM TWB PANEL WITH LASER WELDING FOR AUTO BODY ASSEMBLY

차체 제작을 위한 레이저용접 마그네슘 TWB 판넬

Strip casted and rolled magnesium sheet is become exiting material for car manufacturer, due to its better formability and specific strength compare with conventional extruded sheet. TWB technology was attractive for car body designer, because it saves the weight of the car without strength loss. In this study, the laser welding performance of magnesium sheet was investigated for Mg TWB panel manufacturing. The material was strip casted and rolled magnesium alloy sheet contains 3 wt% Al and 1 wt% Zn (AZ31). Lamp pumped Nd:YAG laser of 2kW was used and its laser light was delivered by optical fiber of 0.6mm core diameter to material surface with focusing optics of 200mm focal length for TWB welding. The microstructure of weld bead was investigated to check internal defects such as inclusion, porosity and cracks. Also mechanical properties and formability were evaluated for press forming of car body. For the results, there was no crack but inclusion or porosity on weld at some conditions.The tensile strength of weld was over 95% of base metal. Inner and outer panel of engine hood were press formed and assembled at elevated temperature.