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Laser welding of copper to aluminum is challenging due to the formation of complex intermetallic phases. More Al (~18.5 at. %) can be dissolved in Cu, in contrast to Cu (~2.5 at. %) in Al. Therefore, welding from copper side, large melting of Al can be achieved. However optimum Cu and Al must be melted for a strong joint. Finding the right amount is difficult and time consuming by tradition analysis technique like inspection by weld cross-sections. Considering the speed of the welding process and complexity of analysis involving with metallography cross-sections, alternative rapid method to qualify the welds are necessary. The acoustic emission during laser welding can give proportional information of the Al, Cu melted. With such an approach the weld status can be obtained in real time. In this paper the acoustic welding signal using an airborne sensor in the audible range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, is correlated to the weld strength and material mixing (Al, Cu melt). Finally, the weld status is predicted by an artificial neural network based on the acquired signal.

Polymer/metal hybrid assemblies are well suited for automotive and biomedical applications because of their ability to create lightweight structures with a wide range of design possibilities. Laser welding is a promising technique for joining dissimilar materials thanks to its quickness, freedom of design and absence of adhesives. Still, the fundamental causes of adhesion in hybrid laser welding remain not well understood. Therefore, the present work aims at highlighting a chemical bonding between a polymer, nylon-6.6, and a metal, aluminum. To access the interface information, the samples were first broken, leaving a residue on the surface, which was dissolved afterward. The chemical reactive sites of the nylon molecule able to react with aluminum surface were suggested and the feasibility of these reactions was analyzed in light of the results obtained by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and time of flight secondary electron microscopy (ToF-SIMS).

Laser-assisted metal–polymer joining (LAMP) is a novel assembly process for the development of miniaturized joints in hybrid lightweight products. This work adopts a design of experiments (DoE) approach to investigate the influence of several laser welding parameters on the strength and quality of titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V)–polyamide (PA6.6) assembly. Significant parameters were highlighted using the Plackett Burmann design, and process window was outlined using the Response Surface Method (RSM). A statistically reliable mathematical model was generated to describe the relation between highlighted welding parameters and joint strength. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) method was implemented to identify significant parametric interactions. Results show the prominence of focal position and laser power, as well as significant interaction between laser power and beam speed, on the joint strength. The evolution of weld defects (bubbles, excessive penetration, flashing, titanium coloring, weld pool cavities, and welding-induced deflection) along the process window was investigated using optical microscopy. The resulted deflection in titanium was quantified, and its relationship with welding parameters was mathematically modeled. Robust process window was outlined to maintain insignificant deflection in the welded joints. Results showed that the growth of weld defects correlates with a decline in joint strength. Optimal parameters demonstrated a defect-free joint, maximizing joint strength.

The laser polishing surface treatment is a prerequisite for enhanced weldability that is enabled by superior adhesion between the weldments. The paper describes the laser polishing process of the aluminum surface to develop a relatively thick and porous artificial aluminum oxide layer. Microscopic observation shows the laser polishing process significantly improves the adhesion of molten polyamide to the aluminum surface. Besides, the shear load of the pretreated joints is much higher than that of as-received ones. However, for the majority of the welded samples, the failure happens at the polyamide near the interface of aluminum/polyamide due to the thermal effect and structural changes of polyamide during the welding process. By applying the post-treatment of the welded specimens with different cycles, the mentioned failure mechanism is not observed anymore. Therefore, the mechanical properties of the joint will be improved and reach to the limits of the base materials.

In laser joining of copper (Cu) and aluminum (Al) sheets, the Al sheet is widely chosen as the top surface for laser irradiation because of increased absorption of laser beam and lower melting temperature of Al in contrast to Cu. This research focus on welding from Cu side to Al sheet. The main objective of irradiating the laser beam from the copper side (Cu on top) is to exploit higher solubility of Al in Cu. A significantly lower laser power can be used with 515 nm laser in comparison to 1030 nm. In addition to low laser power, a stable welding is obtained with 515 nm. Because of this advantage, 515 nm is selected for the current research. By fusion of Cu and Al the two sheet metals are welded, with presence of beneficial Cu solid solution phase and Al+Al2Cu in the joint with the brittle phases intermixed between the ductile phase. Therefore the mixed composition strengthens the joint. However excessive mixing leads to formation of more detrimental phases and less ductile phases. Therefore optimum mixing must be maintained. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis indicate that large amount of beneficial Cu solid solution and Al rich phases is formed in the strong joint. From the tensile shear test for a strong joint, fracture is obtained on the heat-affected zone (HAZ) of Al. Therefore the key for welding from copper side is to have optimum melt with beneficial phases like Cu and Al+ Al2Cu and the detrimental phases intermixed between the ductile phases

Dissimilar metal joining of thin copper and aluminum sheets is very important in the battery connections. The main problem while joining this dissimilar combination is formation of brittle intermetallic phases that degrade the electrical and mechanical properties of the joint. For joining copper and aluminum sheet with laser, very high intensity in the range of 107 W/cm2 is required. Intermixture of copper and aluminum is vital for joint ductility. In this paper, the effect of combined oscillation and shaping of the laser pulses on the overlap welding of copper-aluminum is studied. Precise control of intermixing can be achieved by modifying the laser pulse i.e. the percentage of power with respect to the pulse time. Investigation on different pulse shapes with ramp up and ramp down profile is conducted by cross-section and microstructural analysis.

In the present study, the laser welding of wire to flat geometry for miniature electromechanical hybrid components has been investigated. Considering the geometry of parts to be welded and also requirement of mechanical properties, spatial modulation of the laser beam was needed to be implemented to achieve a sound joint. Tensile-shear test and optical microscopy were employed to represent the mechanical properties and melt pool geometry of the joints. All welds were done by power modulation of the laser beam to better control the energy input at several feed rates and three different beam trajectories. Results showed that the shear load of the joint could be controlled by feed rate and the trajectory of the laser beam. Considering the material combination of the study that were nickel and CuSn6 bronze, which represented solubility in solid state, a joint stronger than base wire metal was achieved by defining a proper spatial modulation and feed rate of the laser beam.

This paper presents the characterization of the intermetallic phases of laser-welded Al-Cu joints by synchrotron trough-the-substrate microdiffraction combined with SEM/EDX and etched/non-etched optical micrographs. Transmission microdiffraction offers the spatial resolution and beam flux necessary to study the intermetallic phases, which in conjunction with the excellent contrast of etched micrographs, rendered possible the phase identification. It was found that the major phases are Al2Cu (θ), Al4Cu9 (γ1) and AlCu (η2) were formed. The Al3Cu4 (ζ1) and δ phases where formed in less amount and found to be the primary cause for cracks inside the weld seam and therefore for the failure of the joint.

Laser assisted metal&ndash, polymer joining (LAMP) is a novel assembly process for the development of hybrid lightweight products with customized properties. It was already demonstrated that laser ablation of aluminum alloy Al1050 (Al) prior to joining with polyamide 6.6 (PA) has significant influence on the joint quality, manifested in the joint area. However, profound understanding of the factors affecting the joint quality was missing. This work investigates the effects of laser ablation on the surface properties of Al, discusses their corresponding impact on the interfacial thermal transfer between the joining partners, and evaluates their effects on the joint quality. Samples ablated with different parameters, resulting in a range from low- to high-quality joints, were selected, and their surface properties were analyzed by using 2D profilometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). In order to analyze the effects of laser ablation parameters on the interfacial thermal transfer between metal and polymer, a model two-layered system was analyzed, using laser flash analysis (LFA), and the thermal contact resistance (TCR) was quantified. Results indicate a strong influence of laser-ablation parameters on the surface structural and morphological properties, influencing the thermal transfer during the laser welding process, thus affecting the joint quality and its resistance to shear load.

Laser welding is one of the most promising joining techniques to realize hybrid joints between metals and polymers in order to achieve weight reduction and functionalization of the parts. The surface treatment of the metal has a decisive effect on the joint quality and thus on the mechanical properties. In the present study, different mechanical and laser-based surface treatments have been investigated to develop diverse surface conditions on aluminum. Abrasive blasting and laser ablation were used to increase the surface roughness, while abrasive polishing and laser polishing were applied to minimize the surface roughness. In contrast to abrasive surface treatments, laser-based ones were implemented to create artificial oxide layers on the aluminum surface. The surface structures of pretreated samples have been studied with scanning electron microscopy and roughness test. The laser welding of pretreated aluminum with polyamide was achieved with the heat conduction joining technique. To enlarge the welding area and control the heat input, spatial and temporal modulations of the laser beam were implemented. Finally, a single lap tensile-shear test, microscopic analysis of fractured surfaces, and welding cross sections were employed to evaluate the joints. Results show that the presence of an artificial aluminum oxide layer and low roughness are essential to achieve a superior joint between aluminum and polyamide (improvement of approximately 58% in the shear load of the joint compared to as-received welded samples). The cross section of the superior joint which is the laser-polished aluminum welded to polyamide is studied with transmission electron microscopy.

Laser joining of dissimilar metals, copper and aluminum, allows for the precise delivery of laser energy and high process speed. The keyhole-based process is very efficient for welding Al–Cu, considering the high reflectivity and thermal conductivity of the materials joined. For the Al–Cu system, the formation of detrimental intermetallic compounds is the main issue. Fusion welding with laser as a heat source involves the melting of metals. However, the high speed of the laser welding process is advantageous for terminating the excessive melting of Al and Cu and eventually controlling the detrimental intermetallic phases. Therefore, information pertaining to melted material is an important criterion for achieving joint strength. In this paper, the photodiode signal measured during the laser welding of Cu to Al is investigated as a process monitoring technique. In welding from Cu to Al, the melting of Al (bottom sheet) is very critical for joint strength. The amount of Al material that can be intermixed in Cu depends on the solubility limit of the Al–Cu system. The plasma plume emission during laser welding is used to extract the rapid melting of Al. This study shows the correlation of the Al characteristic peak at a wavelength of 396 nm with the shear strength of the joint.

A novel laser joining process for hybrid polymer-metal structures has proven a strong bond between polyamide and aluminium. This welding technique is strongly requested by the automobile producing industry for numerous applications within structure components. However, the joining quality exhibits a strong dependency on process-related variables, which highlights the need for an online inspection technique. The requirements for a chosen inspection technique are [1], [2]: 1. Showing the results on-line during the joining process; 2. Working non-destructive; 3. Working as an integral method; Being able to determine weld defects. In that case only the Acoustic Emission Analysis (AEA) as a Non-Destructive-Technique (NDT) can be used to guarantee reasonable results. During the first tests at the welding laboratory at the Laser Technology Competence Centre (LTCC) at the University of Luxembourg, AEA sensors are applied onto the surface of the test specimen which has to be welded. In this principle acoustic events, caused by welding defects, are recorded during the laser joining. The most important laser process parameters, like velocity, power and horizontal focal position of the laser spot, have been verified and evaluated by the AEA. It was observed that insufficient laser power can lead to the break of the melting bath, which is often not recognizable by non-destructive optical methods [2]. The AEA however was able to detect this lack of fusion. Using high laser power, the appearance of gas bubbles arising from the Polyamide 6.6 could be detected afterwards in a microscopic micrograph. The AEA signals related to this effect can be correlated clearly. Due to the high pressure of the gas bubbles, the aluminium weld is often interrupted, which can be traced back to the solidification of the aluminium molten mass. Due to the actual situation, the AEA is a well-working NDT online monitoring method and can be used for the correlation of acoustic events and welding defects within the mentioned joining method. Future tasks will develop some algorithms to separate the different defects by pattern recognition of the AEA signals and parameter

The thermal joining of Aluminum and Copper is a promising technology towards automotive battery manufacturing. The dissimilar metals Al-Cu are difficult to weld due to their different physicochemical characteristics and the formation of intermetallic compounds (IMC), which have reduced mechanical and electric properties. There is a critical thickness of the IMCs where the favored mechanical properties of the base material can be preserved. The laser braze welding principle uses a position and power oscillated laser-beam to reduce the energy input and the intermixture of both materials and therefore achieves minimized IMCs thickness. The evaluation of the weld seam is important to improve the joint performance and enhance the welding process. This paper is focused on the characterization and quantification of the IMCs. Mechanical, electrical and metallurgical methods are presented and performed on Al1050 and SF-Cu joints and precise weld criteria are developed.

The welding of Al and Cu is considered as difficult due to the formation of intermetallic compounds, which cause a brittle joint with increased electrical resistance. This paper investigates etching techniques that were used to contrast the intermetallic compounds for optical microscope analysis. A 0.5 mm AA-1050 sheet was welded to a 0.5 mm SF-Cu sheet in overlap configuration. The cross sections were etched by using 17 different reagents, including common Al-grade 2xxx etchants, Al-bronze etchants, and specific IMC etchants. A complete microstructural characterization, including the formation of intermetallic compounds, is presented. The experimental result showed that a clear distinction of metallurgic structures is possible, thus enabling a more detailed analysis of Al-Cu welds. It was found that etchants #09, #14, and #16 revealed best the four different intermetallic compounds θ-Al2Cu, η-AlCu, ζ-Al3Cu4, and γ-Al4Cu9.

This paper describes a novel method to analyze the effect of the fiber laser induced plasma on welding of dissimilar Al and Cu. Based on spectroscopic studies, specific wavelengths were found to be suitable for process monitoring during laser welding. For aluminum, the double peak at 394.4 and 396.1 nm was studied, for cu the 578 nm peak was studied. The characteristic peaks were observed by multiple photodiodes equipped with narrow optical filters with varying FWHM. Analyzing the plasma emissions of the process enabled to detect material changes in the plasma plume. This novel method has the advantage of higher sampling rate combined with reduced costs compared to a spectrometer and is thus able to capture the process dynamics.Copyright © 2018 by ASME

Laser welding of metal – polymer assemblies is an innovative bonding process. It was already demonstrated that laser surface pretreatments of aluminum (Al), prior to laser welding with a polymer, impacts joints strength. This work adopts a design of experiments (DoE) approach to investigate the influence of several Al laser ablation parameters on joint strength of laser welded Al – polyamide (PA6.6) assemblies. Significant parameters were highlighted, process window was outlined, and optimal parameters were identified. After assembly failure, the joint area was evaluated using optical microscopy. Depending on the laser ablation parameters, the joint area can be enhanced resulting in a significant increase in the corresponding bearable shear load.

The reported investigation is related to laser beam braze-welding technology for dissimilar aluminum–copper interconnects for Li-ion battery assembly. The correlation between the brittle and high-resistivity intermetallic compounds and the electrical contact resistance showed that a thin intermetallic layer is highly desirable. It was proved that highest shear strength and lowest contact resistance can be achieved within the same parameter set which is of particular interest to battery electrical vehicle applications requiring both high mechanical reliability and electrical performance. A study on the weld seam layout further showed that two parallel weld seams with optimized spacing and overlap design provide lowest contact resistance.

The mechanical characteristics of dissimilar Al–Cu connections, joined by a novel, robust laser braze-welding process are reported. A fiber laser is used in combination with a 2D galvoscanner to provide spatial power modulation by superposed circular beam oscillation. With the help of statistical experimental design, a broad range of processing parameters has been investigated in order to understand their effects on the joint characteristics. A maximum shear strength of 121 MPa has been detected within the scope of the experiments.