Weldability of AL99—SiC Composites by CO2 Laser Welding

Abstract

In this study, Al99—SiC composites were produced using PM method. In the composites produced, the reinforcement rates of SiC were 0, 5, 10, and 20 (%wt). The matrix Al 99 powders were mechanically mixed with SiC particulates. These powders were compacted at room temperature at 500 MPa for 5 × 10 × 60 mm specimens and followed by sintering at 600 and 620°C for 1 h. Composite specimens were joined by CO2 laser welding method. Rofin—Sinar SM2000 machine was used for the welding process. The microstructure of melted region was investigated by optical, scanning, and X-ray microchemical analysis techniques. The hardness test, tensile test, and three-point bend test results were presented. The effect to CO2 laser welding method at different reinforcement rates and different sintering temperatures in Al 99 powder was investigated. Because of the lower thermal conductivity of Al99—SiC composites, melting zone is wide. It was observed that 0.5 m/min laser welding velocity was suitable for composites with low SiC rate (0% and 5% SiC), and with increasing SiC (10 and 20%), laser welding velocity of 0.3 m/min was suitable.