Laser-arc hybrid welding of high-strength steel and aluminum alloy joints with brass filler

The laser-tungsten inert gas hybrid welding method was adopted to realize the welding process between Q460 high-strength steel and 6061 aluminum alloy. The influence of the dual heat source on the mechanical properties and microstructure of the welded joints are discussed. In addition, the effects of including a copper-zinc interlayer on the microstructure, elemental distribution, and mechanical properties of welded joints are also studied. The results show that the mechanical properties of the welded joints are influenced by the relative heat inputs of the two heat sources and the Cu-Zn interlayer. The braze welded joint fabricated without a Cu-Zn interlayer fractured at an Al-Fe intermetallic compound (IMC) layer formed at the interface, whereas the braze welded joint fabricated with a Cu-Zn interlayer fractured at an Al-Cu IMC layer formed at the interface. Comparisons show that the maximum tensile shear load of the brazed welded joint with the Cu-Zn interlayer was increased by about 20% relative to that formed without the interlayer. The formation of Al-Fe IMC layer in the deep penetration joint was inhibited by the combined effect of the dual heating sources and the Cu-Zn interlayer.