• Laser Solutions
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.42-51
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• 1999

This research was conducted as a fundamental study to apply tailored blank welding technique into automotive production process. The materials used in this study were 2.0mm thickness low carbon steel sheets and 1.2mm Zn-coated low carbon steel sheets. To ensure the reproducibility and to consider various factors, experiments were. conducted by applying Taguchi experimental method with 6 factors. Every welding process was repeated 3 times to offset the effect of uncontrolled factors. Elongation and LDH(Limited Dome Height)were measured to evaluate formability of specimens and Optical microscopy, XRD, SEM, and EDS analysis were performed to observe the microstructures and to determine the solidification mode in the weld. The elongation of specimen welded with optimum condition was 83% of base metal, and LDH was 84% of base metal. In case of laser treated specimen where Zn coating was removed, elongation was 85% of base metal, and LDH was 85% of base metal. In fusion zone, phases were consisted of quasi-polygonal ferrite, banitic ferrite, and martensite.