Sheet metal blanks -: Nd: YAG technology and the automotive industry

The metal utilized in the manufacture of automobiles is being used in a far more efficient manner through the co-operative efforts of platform designers, manufacturing engineers and blank suppliers. The increased efficiency is accomplished, through the adoption of tailored blanks for such parts as: body panels, complete side frames, frame/cross rails, door inners and other sheet metal components. Laser welds are preferred, over the other processes, because the welded joint has a more acceptable appearance and presents a profit advantage due to fast competitive welding speeds. Both Nd:YAG, solid state lasers and the CO2 gas lasers, have been integrated into welding systems for the manufacture of tailor welded blanks. The special lens systems coupled to the Nd:YAG lasers have been modified to provide dual beam technology. It has proven to raise the level of robustness of the process. This paper deals with many factors associated with the welding of sheet metals for tailored blanks, with emphasis on the Nd:YAG laser process.