Robotic welding of thin wall components made of 6xxx and 2xxx series aluminium alloys using low-energy methods

The application of low-energy methods of metal inert gas welding (ColdArc and CMT) for the manufacture of joints in hard-weldable aluminium alloys is presented. The purpose of the technological research was to show the usefulness of the CMT and ColdArc methods for production of butt and T-joints in 2.0 mm thick aluminium alloy plates. Basic difficulties related to welding of 6xxx and 2xxx series aluminium alloys and the specificity of welding by low-energy methods are discussed. Selected results of metallographic macro- and microscopic examination as well as those of tensile and bend tests are given; detailed analysis of the results is also carried out. The article shows also that ColdArc and CMT methods provide high quality and aesthetic welded joints in aluminium alloys that are considered to be non-weldable or of limited weldability. © 2014 © 2012 Taylor & Francis.