A comparative study of mechanical properties of metal inert gas (MIG)-cold metal transfer (CMT) and fiber laser-MIG hybrid welds for 6005A T6 extruded sheet

Among the several welding technologies available today, traditional metal inert gas (MIG) one is widely used for junction of Al-alloys parts in transportation field, while cold metal transfer (CMT) and laser techniques are recent alternatives potentially providing advantages over the former one, such as reduction of deformations and reduced alteration of base material. The present research aims to investigate the effects of these different techniques on the microstructural and mechanical (hardness, tensile strength, yield stresses, and elongation) properties of welded joints of 6005A-T6. Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) was used for fractographic observations and to analyze microstructural changes after welding. From this examination, it is found that CMT and fiber laserMIG hybrid joints of AA6005 aluminum alloy showed superior mechanical properties compared with MIG weld.