Microstructure Characterization of AZ31B Mg Alloy Welds Processed by Nd:YAG Laser Welding

Abstract

The Nd:YAG laser welding process of AZ31B alloys was performed by using the six-axis robot in this work. The microstructure characterization of AZ31B auto-welded joints was studied by using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). The laser welding process resulted in the formation of equiaxed grains in the center of the fusion zone (FZ) and columnar grains near the FZ boundary, meanwhile some eutectic β-Mg17Al12 particles were observed in the microstructure. No clear heat affected zone (HAZ) was observed in the welded AZ31B joint. Furthermore, some pores were observed in the base material (BM) and FZ.