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A non-axisymmetric laser-tungsten inert gas (TIG) heat source was designed to join Mg–Al dissimilar metals with pure Zn filler at a series of welding speeds (500–900 mm/min). Laser and TIG heat sources respectively acted on Al and Mg base metals to precisely control their dissolution into the welding pool. The solidification rate of liquid metal was controlled by adjusting the welding speed, then the reaction process of Mg, Al and Zn could be accurately regulated. The results indicated that various microstructures including Al solid solution, Zn solid solution, Mg–Zn intermetallic compounds (IMCs) and eutectic structure formed in the joint produced at different speeds. Lower welding speed (500 mm/min) caused the microstructure coarsening and higher welding speed (900 mm/min) would lead to the enrichment of MgZn2 intermetallic compounds. At the optimal welding speed of 800 mm/min in particular, fine MgZn2 IMCs grains uniformly distributed in the Al and Zn solid solution. The tensile-shear load reached a maximum of 1052.5 N/cm and the joint fractured at the fusion zone near the Al base metal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]