| Abstract | A continuous wave 4 kW Nd:YAG laser system was used to weld 2-mm butt joints of sand-cast ZE41A-T5 magnesium alloys at a power of 2.5 kW, welding speed of 6.0 m/min, and defocusing distance from − 2 to + 3 mm for the material in the machined surface conditions. It was found that the adjustment of defocusing distance greatly influences the establishment of conduction or keyhole mode welding. Conduction welding is obtained at a power density of 4.0 × 10⁵ W/cm². Keyhole welding is reached at a threshold irradiance of 1.5 × 10⁶ W/cm². The fusion zone consists of refined equiaxed grains formed through cellular growth in the Zr-containing magnesium alloys. The partially melted zone is rather narrow, only a few grains wide. No grain growth or coarsening but softening is observed in the heat affected zone (HAZ). The weld defects observed include three main types: imperfect shape, cavities, and weld cracks. The mechanisms of their formations are discussed. In addition, the original cast quality was found to have a significant influence on the formation of defects such as underfill, surface depression, porosity, and burn-through during laser welding. |
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