Optimizing the parameters for laser beam welding of aluminum-lithium alloy 2195

Aluminum-lithium alloy 2195 is of considerable interest in the aerospace industry because of its high strength, high stiffness, and low density. Laser processing of this material offers potential advantages in processing speed and material cost savings. An investigation was conducted to determine the effect of laser beam process and material parameters on weld characteristics. The issues addressed were coupling efficiency, process stability, solidification cracking, and strengthening mechanisms. The results indicated that coupling of a laser beam with aluminum alloys is enhanced by lithium additions; and process stability and crack sensitivity is improved when using a defocused laser beam and silicon-rich filler alloys. In addition, the fusion zone exhibits a high degree of solute partitioning but not strengthening precipitates.