Abstract:Fine-grained ZK60 magnesium alloy sheets of 2.0 mm in thickness were successfully joined by laser beam welding (LBW). The effects of welding parameters including laser power and welding speed on the microstructures and mechanical properties of the joints were investigated. A sound bead, with the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 300 MPa and elongation of 12.0%, up to 92.5% and 65% of those of the base metal, respectively, is obtained with the optimized welding parameters. No liquation cracking is visible in the partially melted zone (PMZ) owing to the inhibitory action of the fine dispersed precipitates and the fine-grained microstructure in the as-rolled magnesium alloy sheets. The fusion zone (FZ) is featured with the equiaxed dendritic grains of the average grain size about 8 μm, which are similar to those in the heat affected zone (HAZ), and this contributes to the relatively high joint efficiency.

Key words: ZK60 magnesium alloy; fine grain size; laser beam welding; heat affected zone; partially melted zone