The role of filler material selection in the laser welding process of deformable 6xxx series aluminum alloys

The automotive industry is facing stringent requirements regarding the reduction of fuel consumption and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The use of aluminum alloys and laser welding technology allows the fulfillment of these targets by creating the opportunity to decrease the weight of the vehicles. One of the variables related to the laser welding process is the filler material. In the case of heat-hardenable alloys, the role of the filler material is to adjust the chemical composition of the molten metal bath and to reduce the sensitivity to hot cracking. In this paper is examined and interpreted the effect of the additive materials selected at the laser welding of some alloys with aluminum base of the 6xxx series on the macro – and the microstructure of the welded joints.