Comparative study of laser welding in tailor blanks for the automotive industry

摘要

The increasing demand put on automotive industry to reduce car costs and fuel consumption has led to the design of innovative technological solutions. These new concepts aim at higher productivities, better quality, and improved performances of the final product. The use of tailor blanks in automotive industry is an example of a successful innovation which is nowadays used in many companies worldwide. The main objective of the present study is to assess laser welding of tailor blanks in steel, comparing the performance of the three types of high-power lasers, CO_2, Nd/YAG, and fiber laser, in terms of productivity, costs, and weld quality. Mechanical properties have also been targeted as these are essential for the formability of the welded blanks.